Trivia Facts Quiz On Biological Evidence Of Evolution!

1. Which explains why a caterpillar might look like a dangerous snake?

The caterpillar and the snake have the same DNA.

The caterpillar and the snake have the same predators.

A mimicry adaptation has evolved in the caterpillar.

A behavioral adaptation has evolved in the caterpillar.

A mimicry adaptation has evolved in the caterpillar. This means that the caterpillar has developed physical characteristics or behaviors that resemble those of a dangerous snake. This adaptation is likely a defense mechanism to deter potential predators from attacking the caterpillar. By mimicking a snake, the caterpillar can appear more intimidating and increase its chances of survival.

Explanation

A mimicry adaptation has evolved in the caterpillar. This means that the caterpillar has developed physical characteristics or behaviors that resemble those of a dangerous snake. This adaptation is likely a defense mechanism to deter potential predators from attacking the caterpillar. By mimicking a snake, the caterpillar can appear more intimidating and increase its chances of survival.

2. Darwin noticed that animals on the different islands of the Galapagos appeared to be adapted to what?

Differences in their food

Differences in their predators

Differences in altitude

Differences in temperature

Darwin noticed that animals on the different islands of the Galapagos appeared to be adapted to differences in their food. This means that the animals had specific traits and characteristics that allowed them to efficiently obtain and consume the available food sources on their respective islands. This observation led Darwin to develop his theory of natural selection, which suggests that individuals with advantageous traits for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations.

Explanation

Darwin noticed that animals on the different islands of the Galapagos appeared to be adapted to differences in their food. This means that the animals had specific traits and characteristics that allowed them to efficiently obtain and consume the available food sources on their respective islands. This observation led Darwin to develop his theory of natural selection, which suggests that individuals with advantageous traits for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations.

3. What kind of adaptation is a long neck on a tortoise?

Structural

Behavioral

Functional

Physiological

A long neck on a tortoise is a structural adaptation. Structural adaptations are physical traits or features that help an organism survive in its environment. In the case of a tortoise, a long neck allows it to reach high vegetation for food, giving it an advantage in areas where food may be scarce. This adaptation is a physical characteristic that helps the tortoise in its daily activities and survival.

Explanation

A long neck on a tortoise is a structural adaptation. Structural adaptations are physical traits or features that help an organism survive in its environment. In the case of a tortoise, a long neck allows it to reach high vegetation for food, giving it an advantage in areas where food may be scarce. This adaptation is a physical characteristic that helps the tortoise in its daily activities and survival.

4. An adaptation is best described as occurring over which time scale?

Over many eras

Over many generations

Over one generation

Over the lifetime of one individual

An adaptation is best described as occurring over many generations. This is because adaptation refers to the process by which a population of organisms gradually adjusts to its environment over time through genetic changes. These changes are passed down from one generation to the next, allowing the population to become better suited to its environment. Therefore, adaptation is a gradual process that occurs over multiple generations rather than within the lifetime of one individual or over a short time scale like one generation or many eras.

Explanation

An adaptation is best described as occurring over many generations. This is because adaptation refers to the process by which a population of organisms gradually adjusts to its environment over time through genetic changes. These changes are passed down from one generation to the next, allowing the population to become better suited to its environment. Therefore, adaptation is a gradual process that occurs over multiple generations rather than within the lifetime of one individual or over a short time scale like one generation or many eras.

5. Which of these must be false, in order for evolution by natural selection to occur?

Variation between individuals exists in a population.

Particular variations of traits are passed on from one generation to the next.

Resources are limited, leading to competition within the population.

The particular traits present in one generation have no effect on traits in the next generation.

For evolution by natural selection to occur, it is necessary that particular traits present in one generation have an effect on traits in the next generation. This is because natural selection acts on heritable traits, meaning that traits that can be passed on from one generation to the next are the ones that can be selected for or against. If traits in one generation have no effect on traits in the next generation, there would be no mechanism for natural selection to act upon and drive evolutionary change.

Explanation

For evolution by natural selection to occur, it is necessary that particular traits present in one generation have an effect on traits in the next generation. This is because natural selection acts on heritable traits, meaning that traits that can be passed on from one generation to the next are the ones that can be selected for or against. If traits in one generation have no effect on traits in the next generation, there would be no mechanism for natural selection to act upon and drive evolutionary change.