Natural Selection & Acquired Characteristics

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  • 1/6 Questions

    While developing the Theory of Natural Selection, this theorist studied finches.

    • Charles Darwin
    • Jean Lamarck
    • Roger Bacon
    • Isaac Barrow
    • Albert Einstein
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About This Quiz

What is the difference between the Theory of Acquired Characteristics and the Theory of Natural Selection? Who developed these theories and what are they about? Test your knowledge and understanding of evolution with the following quiz!

Natural Selection & Acquired Characteristics - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    BONUS!Where did Charles Darwin develop his theory?

    • Cuba

    • Dominican Republic

    • China

    • Galapagos Islands

    • None of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. Galapagos Islands
    Explanation
    Charles Darwin developed his theory on the Galapagos Islands. This is where he conducted extensive research and observations on the unique flora and fauna of the islands, which eventually led to the formulation of his theory of evolution by natural selection. The Galapagos Islands provided Darwin with a diverse range of species and ecosystems, allowing him to study the variations and adaptations that occur in different environments. His time on the Galapagos Islands was instrumental in shaping his groundbreaking ideas about the origin and diversity of species.

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  • 3. 

    Which theory involved the idea of 'survival of the fittest' | what does it mean? Select the most correct answer.

    • Theory of Natural Selection | two strong animals mate to make a super strong animal

    • Theory of Acquired Characteristics | the least desirable traits filter out of the gene pool over time

    • Theory of Natural Selection | the least desirable traits filter out of the gene pool over time

    • Theory of Natural Selection | weak animals look for other weak animals

    • Theory of Acquired Characteristics | if limbs fall off an animal during their lifetime, their offspring will be born with missing limbs

    Correct Answer
    A. Theory of Natural Selection | the least desirable traits filter out of the gene pool over time
    Explanation
    The theory of natural selection involves the idea of 'survival of the fittest', which means that individuals with the most favorable traits for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. Over time, the traits that are less advantageous or undesirable will gradually be eliminated from the gene pool, resulting in a population that is better adapted to its environment.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following theories is considered invalid in today's society?

    • Lamarck's Theory of Natural Selection

    • Lamarck's Theory of Acquired Characteristics

    • Darwin's Theory of Acquired Characteristics

    • Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection

    • None of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. Lamarck's Theory of Acquired Characteristics
    Explanation
    Lamarck's Theory of Acquired Characteristics is considered invalid in today's society because it proposes that an organism can pass on traits acquired during its lifetime to its offspring. However, modern understanding of genetics and inheritance has shown that traits acquired during an individual's lifetime cannot be inherited by future generations. Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection, on the other hand, is widely accepted and supported by evidence in the scientific community.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following words is most correct in the blank below? Natural selection acts to _________ minor advantageous genetic mutations. 

    • Renew

    • Complete

    • Eliminate

    • Preserve

    • Bond

    Correct Answer
    A. Preserve
    Explanation
    Natural selection acts to preserve minor advantageous genetic mutations. This means that these beneficial mutations are more likely to be passed on to future generations, increasing the overall fitness of the population. By preserving these advantageous traits, natural selection helps to drive the evolution of species over time.

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  • 6. 

    Which example fits with the Theory of Acquired Characteristics?

    • A man and a woman have children. They inherit the man's red hair.

    • A grandmother with a large nose notices that all of her daughter's children are all born with similar large noses.

    • A butterfly with a single spot on its wings mates with a butterfly with multiple spots. It lives in a place where large, spotted flowers are seen everywhere. Eventually, after millions of years, there are many butterflies with many spots on their wings.

    • A breeder chooses a large black dog to mate with a small dog with a huge jaw.

    • A woman is in a car accident. She receives a large scar on her face. When she has children, all of her offspring have large, prominent scars on their faces.

    Correct Answer
    A. A woman is in a car accident. She receives a large scar on her face. When she has children, all of her offspring have large, prominent scars on their faces.
    Explanation
    This example fits with the Theory of Acquired Characteristics because it suggests that the physical trait of having large, prominent scars on the face can be passed down from parent to offspring. According to the theory, traits acquired during an individual's lifetime can be inherited by their offspring. In this case, the woman acquired the scar through a car accident, and her children also have the same trait of having large scars on their faces. This supports the idea that acquired characteristics can be passed down through generations.

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  • Mar 18, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Jun 14, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Amyalibrooke
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