Science Evolution Quiz Questions
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Evolution is a change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. Let's take this quiz now!
- 1.
What is the evidence that the ground finches of Isla Daphne Major (Galapagos Islands) have evolved through natural selection?
- 2.
Which of the following is evidence of Darwin's theory of common descent?
- A.
There are patterns in the fossil record that suggest other species have diverged from a single ancestor species
- B.
There are biogeographic patterns in the distribution of species, for instance distinct bird species on an island tend to resemble one another, suggesting a common ancestor.
- C.
There are common stages in the early embryological development of organisms representing several distinct vertebrate groups.
- D.
Anatomical structures, such as forelimbs, in different groups appear to be modified versions of structures that might have been present in a common ancestor .
- E.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. Anatomical structures, such as forelimbs, in different groups appear to be modified versions of structures that might have been present in a common ancestor .Explanation
The presence of anatomical structures, such as forelimbs, in different groups that appear to be modified versions of structures that might have been present in a common ancestor is evidence of Darwin's theory of common descent. This suggests that different species share a common ancestor and have evolved through gradual modifications over time. This observation supports the idea that all organisms are related and have descended from a common ancestor.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The variation natural selection operates on is due to random mutations. What does this imply about natural selection?
- A.
Natural selection is also a random process
- B.
Natural selection is nevertheless a directed process- the likelihood one variant will be favored in a given environment over another is predictable, even if the origin is not.
- C.
There is no possibility God could be involved in this process.
- D.
A, B and C.
- E.
E. None of the above.
Correct Answer
E. E. None of the above. -
- 4.
Which of the following are difficult to explain in terms of natural selection?
- A.
Male peacocks evolve tail feathers that would appear to make them more rather than less vulnerable to predators.
- B.
Male deer evolve antlers that are not used to defend themselves against predators.
- C.
A bird issues a warning cry that puts it at greater risk of being noticed by a predator
- D.
Some traits appear to have no adaptive value
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. Some traits appear to have no adaptive valueExplanation
Some traits appear to have no adaptive value are difficult to explain in terms of natural selection because natural selection is based on the idea that traits that are advantageous for survival and reproduction will be favored and passed on to future generations. If a trait has no adaptive value, it means that it does not provide any advantage or disadvantage to an organism's survival or reproduction. This raises questions about why such traits exist and why they have not been eliminated through the process of natural selection.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Darwin’s primary contribution to biological theory was the idea that:
- A.
an important mechanism of biological evolution is natural selection
- B.
New alleles arise through mutation
- C.
Evolution is the change in gene frequencies over time
- D.
Genes are the units of inheritance
- E.
characteristics acquired during an individual’s lifetime can be passed to its offspring
Correct Answer
A. an important mechanism of biological evolution is natural selectionExplanation
Darwin's primary contribution to biological theory was the idea that an important mechanism of biological evolution is natural selection. This means that organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to future generations. Natural selection acts as a driving force behind the changes in species over time. Darwin's theory of natural selection revolutionized our understanding of how species evolve and adapt to their environments.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The effects of natural selection may be countered by
- A.
Gene Flow
- B.
Genetic Drift
- C.
Mutation
- D.
Inbreeding
Correct Answer
A. Gene FlowExplanation
Gene flow refers to the movement of genes from one population to another through the migration of individuals. This process can introduce new genetic variations into a population and can counteract the effects of natural selection by increasing genetic diversity. When genes from different populations mix, it can help maintain genetic variation and prevent the loss of beneficial alleles. Therefore, gene flow can act as a mechanism to counterbalance the effects of natural selection by introducing new genetic material into a population.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In relation to natural selection, evolution is the
- A.
Process
- B.
Outcome
- C.
Mechanism
- D.
Purpose
Correct Answer
B. OutcomeExplanation
Evolution is the outcome of natural selection because it is the result of the process of natural selection acting on a population over time. Natural selection is the mechanism by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on their fitness in a given environment. Over generations, this process leads to changes in the genetic makeup of a population, resulting in the evolution of new species or the adaptation of existing species to their environment. Therefore, evolution can be seen as the ultimate outcome of the continuous process of natural selection.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In ________ , James ________ , proposed that the Earth was shaped by ________, forces.
Correct Answer
1795
Hutton
GradualExplanation
In 1795, James Hutton proposed that the Earth was shaped by gradual forces.Rate this question:
- 9.
Who wrote the Principles of Geology that inspired Darwin while he was on the Beagle?
- A.
George Case
- B.
James Hutton
- C.
George Cuvier
- D.
Charles Lyell
Correct Answer
D. Charles LyellExplanation
Charles Lyell wrote the Principles of Geology, which inspired Darwin during his time on the Beagle. Lyell's book proposed that the Earth's geological processes were gradual and continuous, challenging the prevailing belief in catastrophic events. This concept of gradual change over long periods of time provided a crucial framework for Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin was greatly influenced by Lyell's ideas, particularly in understanding the deep time required for species to evolve and adapt.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In ________ Carl ________ created the ________ naming system
Correct Answer
1732
Linneaus
BinomialExplanation
In 1732, Carl Linneaus created the Binomial naming system.Rate this question:
- 11.
The age of the earth is less than 20,000 years.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The age of the earth is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years based on scientific evidence such as radiometric dating of rocks and fossils. This age is determined by analyzing the decay of radioactive isotopes in these materials. The idea that the earth is less than 20,000 years old contradicts the overwhelming scientific consensus and is not supported by any credible evidence.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Lamarck is best known for his Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Lamarck is indeed best known for his Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics. This theory proposed that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime could be passed on to its offspring. Lamarck believed that individuals could change their traits through use or disuse, and these changes would be inherited by future generations. Although this theory has been largely discredited in modern biology, Lamarck's ideas played a significant role in the development of evolutionary thought.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 12, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Mar 28, 2016Quiz Created by
Maddies18
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