Evidence Of Evolution: Trivia Facts Quiz!

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Stephen Reinbold, PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology Instructor
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Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.
, PhD (Biological Sciences)
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Evidence Of Evolution: Trivia Facts Quiz! - Quiz

What do you know about the evidence of evolution? Do you think you can pass this quiz? A variation in the heritable characteristics of biological populaces over successive generations. These traits are the expressions of genes that are passed down from parent to offspring during reproduction. Different characteristics tend to occur within any given population. See how much you understand about evidence of evolution by taking this quiz.


Evidence of Evolution Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    Natural selection can best be defined as ...

    • A.

      The survival of the biggest and strongest

    • B.

      Elimination of the weakest organisms

    • C.

      The survival of organisms that occupy the largest area

    • D.

      The survival of organisms that have adaptations that make them better suited to their environment

    Correct Answer
    D. The survival of organisms that have adaptations that make them better suited to their environment
    Explanation
    Natural selection is the process by which organisms with advantageous traits or adaptations that enable them to better survive and reproduce in their environment are more likely to pass on these traits to future generations. This leads to the gradual evolution of populations over time, as individuals with less beneficial traits are less likely to survive and reproduce. The survival of organisms that have adaptations that make them better suited to their environment is the most accurate definition of natural selection.

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  • 2. 

    A change in a population of organisms over time is called ...

    • A.

      Adaptation

    • B.

      Evolution

    • C.

      Natural selection

    • D.

      Artificial selection

    Correct Answer
    B. Evolution
    Explanation
    Evolution refers to the change in a population of organisms over time. It involves the process of natural selection, where certain traits become more common in a population due to their advantage in survival and reproduction. This leads to the adaptation of organisms to their environment and the development of new species over time. Artificial selection, on the other hand, is a human-controlled process where desirable traits are selectively bred for in domesticated organisms. Therefore, evolution is the correct answer as it encompasses both natural and artificial selection.

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  • 3. 

    What group of islands did Darwin investigate on his voyage around the world?

    • A.

      Galapagos

    • B.

      Aleutians

    • C.

      Hawaii

    • D.

      Philippines

    Correct Answer
    A. Galapagos
    Explanation
    Darwin investigated the Galapagos islands on his voyage around the world. These islands are located in the Pacific Ocean and are known for their unique and diverse wildlife. Darwin's observations of the different species on the Galapagos islands played a crucial role in the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection.

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  • 4. 

    Vestigial structures are present in many organisms because ...

    • A.

      They will be useful some day.

    • B.

      They are useful but we don't know what they're used for.

    • C.

      They were present in an organism's ancestors.

    • D.

      They are the result of random mutations.

    Correct Answer
    C. They were present in an organism's ancestors.
    Explanation
    Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or structures that were fully functional in the ancestors of a particular organism but have lost their original function in the present organism. These structures are often reduced in size or have become non-functional due to changes in the organism's environment or lifestyle. The presence of vestigial structures provides evidence of evolution and common ancestry, as they are inherited from ancestors who had a functional use for them.

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  • 5. 

    Birds and moths both have wings, but their wings are made differently. Why?

    • A.

      Birds and moths are close relatives.

    • B.

      Birds and moths share a common environment.

    • C.

      Birds and moths have different habitats.

    • D.

      Birds and moths do not share a close ancestor.

    Correct Answer
    D. Birds and moths do not share a close ancestor.
    Explanation
    Birds and moths do not share a close ancestor means that they evolved independently and have different evolutionary origins. This explains why their wings are made differently. The difference in wing structure is a result of the unique adaptations and evolutionary pressures that each group has faced over time.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following is NOT considered a piece of evidence supporting the theory of evolution?

    • A.

      Fossil record showing transitional forms.

    • B.

      Homologous structures in different species.

    • C.

      The absence of genetic variation within populations.

    • D.

      Similarities in DNA sequences among different organisms.

    Correct Answer
    C. The absence of genetic variation within populations.
    Explanation
    The absence of genetic variation within populations is not evidence supporting evolution but rather contradicts it. Evolution relies on genetic variation as the raw material for natural selection and adaptation. The fossil record, homologous structures, and DNA similarities all provide evidence of common ancestry and evolutionary change over time.

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  • 7. 

    The remains and traces of past life are called ___.

    • A.

      Imprints

    • B.

      Casts

    • C.

      Molds

    • D.

      Fossils

    Correct Answer
    D. Fossils
    Explanation
    Fossils are the remains and traces of past life that have been preserved in the Earth's crust. They can include the preserved bones, teeth, shells, or other hard parts of ancient organisms, as well as imprints, casts, or molds of these organisms. Fossils provide valuable evidence of the history of life on Earth and help scientists understand how organisms have evolved over time.

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  • 8. 

    In a series of rock layers, the most primitive fossils will normally be found ...

    • A.

      In the top layer

    • B.

      In the bottom layer

    • C.

      In the middle layers

    • D.

      Scattered evenly throughout all the layers

    Correct Answer
    B. In the bottom layer
    Explanation
    In a series of rock layers, the most primitive fossils will normally be found in the bottom layer. This is because as new layers of sediment accumulate over time, the older layers are pushed down and compressed, causing the oldest fossils to be found in the deepest layers. As the layers continue to form, more complex organisms evolve and their fossils are found in the higher, more recent layers. Therefore, the bottom layer is expected to contain the most primitive fossils.

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  • 9. 

    If organisms had not evolved, how would their fossils be arranged within the sedimentary rock layers?

    • A.

      The most primitive would be on top.

    • B.

      The most primitive would be on the bottom.

    • C.

      All the fossils would be scattered evenly through every rock layer.

    • D.

      There would be no fossils in the rock layers.

    Correct Answer
    C. All the fossils would be scattered evenly through every rock layer.
    Explanation
    If organisms had not evolved, their fossils would be scattered evenly through every rock layer. This is because without evolution, there would be no progression or change in the complexity or diversity of organisms over time. Therefore, all organisms would have the same likelihood of being preserved as fossils and would be randomly distributed throughout the sedimentary rock layers.

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  • 10. 

    Evolution happens through the process of ...

    • A.

      Artificial selection

    • B.

      Natural selection

    • C.

      Mimicry

    • D.

      Embryology

    Correct Answer
    B. Natural selection
    Explanation
    Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing, passing on their advantageous traits to future generations. This process leads to the gradual change and adaptation of species over time. Unlike artificial selection, which is driven by human intervention, natural selection is a result of environmental factors and the survival of the fittest. Mimicry and embryology are related concepts but do not encompass the entirety of the evolutionary process.

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Stephen Reinbold |PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology Instructor
Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.

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  • Current Version
  • Aug 05, 2024
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  • Apr 07, 2009
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