1.
Which statement best describes evolution (Standard 3.1a)?
Correct Answer
B. Evolution is a process of change through time.
Explanation
Evolution is a process of change through time. This statement best describes evolution because it acknowledges that evolution is a continuous process that involves changes occurring over a long period. It does not imply a specific direction or outcome, such as the development of complex organisms or the transformation of one species into another. Instead, it recognizes that evolution involves the gradual modification and adaptation of species in response to their changing environments.
2.
Variations within species are most likely the result of (Standard 3.1 b).
Correct Answer
A. Mutations and sexual reproduction
Explanation
Variations within species are most likely the result of mutations and sexual reproduction. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits and variations within a species. Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, which further increases genetic diversity and leads to variations within a species. Therefore, mutations and sexual reproduction are the most likely factors contributing to variations within species.
3.
Mutations are considered a basis for evolution because they (Standard 3.1c).
Correct Answer
A. Result in variation among organisms
Explanation
Mutations are considered a basis for evolution because they result in variation among organisms. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to the production of different traits or characteristics. These variations can be beneficial, detrimental, or neutral, and they provide the raw material for natural selection to act upon. Through natural selection, organisms with advantageous mutations are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these beneficial traits to future generations. Over time, this can lead to the evolution of new species or the adaptation of existing species to their environments.
4.
Mutations are (Standard 3.1d):
Correct Answer
A. Random chance events that can be passed on to offspring if they occur in gametes
Explanation
Mutations are random chance events that can be passed on to offspring if they occur in gametes. This means that mutations can occur spontaneously and randomly during the process of gamete formation. If a mutation happens in a gamete, it can be inherited by the offspring and potentially affect their traits or characteristics. Mutations that occur in somatic cells, on the other hand, cannot be passed on to offspring as they are not involved in the formation of gametes.
5.
Which statement best explains the decreased effectiveness of an insecticide (Standard 3.1e)?
Correct Answer
B. Mosquitoes resistant to the insecticide lived and produced offspring
Explanation
The decreased effectiveness of the insecticide can be best explained by the fact that mosquitoes resistant to the insecticide were able to survive and reproduce. This suggests that the insecticide was not effective in killing these resistant mosquitoes, allowing them to pass on their resistant traits to future generations. As a result, the overall effectiveness of the insecticide decreased over time.
6.
Charles Darwin proposed that organism produce many more offspring than can possibly survive on the limited amount of resources available to them. According to Darwin, the offspring that are most likely to survive are those that (Standard 3.1f):
Correct Answer
E. Are best adapted to the environment
Explanation
According to Charles Darwin, the offspring that are best adapted to the environment are most likely to survive. This means that they possess traits and characteristics that allow them to thrive and successfully compete for limited resources. These offspring have a higher chance of passing on their advantageous traits to future generations, ensuring the survival and success of their species.
7.
Which of the following factors increases the likelihood that at least some members of a species will survive under changed environmental conditions (Standard 3.1h)?
Correct Answer
E. Variation of organisms within the species
Explanation
Variation of organisms within the species increases the likelihood that at least some members of a species will survive under changed environmental conditions. This is because variation allows for individuals with different traits to exist within a population. When the environment changes, certain traits may become advantageous while others may become detrimental. The presence of variation ensures that there is a higher chance of some individuals possessing the necessary traits to survive and reproduce in the new conditions, thus increasing the overall survival rate of the species.
8.
Some behaviors such as mating and caring for young are genetically determined in certain species of birds. The presence of these behaviors is most likely due to the fact that (Standard 3.1i)
Correct Answer
C. These behaviors helped birds to survive in the past
Explanation
Certain behaviors such as mating and caring for young are genetically determined in certain species of birds because these behaviors have helped birds to survive in the past. This suggests that these behaviors have been naturally selected over time because they increase the chances of survival and reproduction for the birds.
9.
According to the evolutionary tree, angiosperms are most closely related to (Standard 3.1l):
Correct Answer
E. Gymnosperms
Explanation
According to the evolutionary tree, angiosperms are most closely related to gymnosperms. This means that these two groups share a more recent common ancestor compared to the other options listed. The evolutionary tree is a diagram that represents the relationships between different organisms based on their evolutionary history. In this case, the tree suggests that angiosperms and gymnosperms diverged from a common ancestor more recently than the other options listed, such as green algae, charophyceans, bryophytes, and pteridophytes.
10.
Which of the following species are extinct (Standard 3.1 k)?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
All of the species mentioned in the options are extinct. Ardipithecus and Australopithecus were early hominids that lived millions of years ago and are no longer present. Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo heidelbergensis were all early human species that lived in different time periods but are now extinct as well. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."
11.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the
highest, how much you already know about evolution.
Correct Answer
1, 2, 3, 4
Explanation
The answer is 1,2,3,4 because the question asks for a rating on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. By including all four options, it allows the respondent to choose any level of knowledge they have about evolution, from the lowest to the highest.
12.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the
highest, how interested are you in evolution.
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4
Explanation
The answer to this question is 1,2,3,4 because it allows the respondent to rate their level of interest in evolution on a scale from 1 to 4. A rating of 1 would indicate the lowest level of interest, while a rating of 4 would indicate the highest level of interest. By providing multiple options, the question allows for a more nuanced response and provides a clearer understanding of the respondent's level of interest in evolution.