Topic 8 - Keystone Sample Quiz

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  • 1/16 Questions
    The diagram below represents possible evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms. Which statement is a valid conclusion that can be drawn from the diagram? - ProProfs

    The diagram below represents possible evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms. Which statement is a valid conclusion that can be drawn from the diagram?

    • Snails appeared on Earth before corals.
    • Sponges were the last new species to appear on Earth.
    • Earthworms and sea stars have a common ancestor.
    • Insects are more complex than mammals.
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Topic 8 - Keystone Sample Quiz - Quiz
About This Quiz

Explore evolutionary biology with the 'Topic 8 - Keystone Sample Quiz'. This quiz assesses understanding of evolutionary relationships, species extinction, genetic variations, and the historical sequence of life on Earth. Perfect for learners aiming to grasp fundamental evolutionary concepts.

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  • 2. 

    In which organisms could evolution occur most rapidly?

    • Humans

    • Fish

    • Birds

    • Bacteria

    Correct Answer
    A. Bacteria
    Explanation
    Evolution can occur most rapidly in bacteria because they have short generation times and high mutation rates. Bacteria reproduce quickly, allowing for more opportunities for genetic variation to arise. Additionally, their high mutation rates increase the likelihood of beneficial mutations that can lead to evolutionary changes. In contrast, humans, fish, and birds have longer generation times and lower mutation rates, making the pace of evolution slower in these organisms.

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  • 3. 

    Extinction of a species is most likely to occur as a result of

    • Evolution

    • Migration

    • Selective breeding

    • Environmental changes

    Correct Answer
    A. Environmental changes
    Explanation
    Extinction of a species is most likely to occur as a result of environmental changes. Environmental changes can include factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and natural disasters. These changes can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems and negatively impact the survival and reproduction of species. As a result, species may not be able to adapt quickly enough to the new conditions, leading to their extinction. Migration, evolution, and selective breeding may play a role in the survival and adaptation of species, but they are not the primary drivers of extinction.

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  • 4. 
    Which statement concerning the evolution of species A, B, C, D, and E is supported by the diagram below? - ProProfs

    Which statement concerning the evolution of species A, B, C, D, and E is supported by the diagram below?

    • Species B and C can be found in today's environments.

    • Species A and D evolved from E.

    • Species A and C can still interbreed.

    • Species A, B, and E all evolved from a common ancestor and all are successful today.

    Correct Answer
    A. Species B and C can be found in today's environments.
    Explanation
    The diagram shows that species B and C are present in the current environments. This suggests that these two species have successfully evolved and adapted to the present conditions, allowing them to survive and be found in today's environments.

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  • 5. 

    Which statement provides evidence that evolution is still occurring at the present time?

    • The extinction rate of species has decreased in the last 50 years.

    • Many bird species and some butterfly species make annual migrations.

    • New varieties of plant species appear more frequently in regions undergoing climatic change.

    • Through cloning, the genetic makeup of organisms can be predicted.

    Correct Answer
    A. New varieties of plant species appear more frequently in regions undergoing climatic change.
    Explanation
    The statement "New varieties of plant species appear more frequently in regions undergoing climatic change" suggests that evolution is still occurring at the present time. This is because the appearance of new varieties indicates that genetic changes are happening within plant populations, allowing them to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This is a key aspect of evolution, as it involves the accumulation of genetic changes over time that lead to the development of new species or variations within existing species.

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  • 6. 
    Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram shows the heads of four different species of Galapagos Islands finches. The four different types of beaks shown are most likely the result of - ProProfs

    Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram shows the heads of four different species of Galapagos Islands finches. The four different types of beaks shown are most likely the result of

    • Gene manipulation

    • Natural selection

    • Unchanging environmental conditions

    • Patterns of behavior learned from parents

    Correct Answer
    A. Natural selection
    Explanation
    The correct answer is natural selection. The diagram shows the heads of four different species of Galapagos Islands finches, each with a different type of beak. This suggests that the beak morphology has evolved over time in response to different ecological niches and food sources available on the islands. Natural selection is the mechanism by which individuals with traits that are advantageous for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. Therefore, it is likely that the different beak types in the finches have been selected for through natural selection.

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  • 7. 

    Species of bacteria can evolve more quickly than species of mammals because bacteria have

    • Less competition

    • More chromosomes

    • Lower mutation rates

    • Higher rates of reproduction

    Correct Answer
    A. Higher rates of reproduction
    Explanation
    Bacteria have higher rates of reproduction compared to mammals, allowing them to evolve more quickly. This is because bacteria can reproduce rapidly, with some species having a generation time as short as 20 minutes. This means that they can produce a large number of offspring in a short period of time, increasing the chances of beneficial mutations occurring and spreading through the population. In contrast, mammals have longer generation times and produce fewer offspring, resulting in slower rates of evolution.

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  • 8. 

    For centuries, certain animals have been crossed to produce offspring that have desirable qualities. Dogs have been mated to produce Labradors, beagles, and poodles. All of these dogs look and behave very differently from one another. This technique of producing organisms with specific qualities is known as

    • Gene replication

    • Natural selection

    • Random mutation

    • Selective breeding

    Correct Answer
    A. Selective breeding
    Explanation
    The technique described in the passage, where animals are intentionally crossed to produce offspring with specific qualities, is known as selective breeding. This process involves humans selecting and mating animals that possess desirable traits in order to pass those traits onto future generations. This is different from natural selection, which is the process where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in their natural environment. Gene replication and random mutation are not accurate descriptions of this technique.

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  • 9. 
    The differences observed in the bird beaks are most likely due to - ProProfs

    The differences observed in the bird beaks are most likely due to

    • Asexual reproduction of these finch species

    • The selection for different shaped beaks that best suit different niches

    • The genetic recombination associated with mitotic cell division

    • The genetic engineering of the DNA of each of these species

    Correct Answer
    A. The selection for different shaped beaks that best suit different niches
    Explanation
    The differences observed in bird beaks are most likely due to the selection for different shaped beaks that best suit different niches. This means that over time, birds with beaks that are better adapted to their specific environment and feeding habits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes for beak shape to future generations. This process is known as natural selection and is a key mechanism of evolution. Asexual reproduction, genetic recombination associated with mitotic cell division, and genetic engineering are not likely explanations for the observed differences in beak shape.

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  • 10. 

    The diagram below represents possible evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms.

    • Snails appeared on Earth before corals.

    • Sponges were the last new species to appear on Earth.

    • Earthworms and sea stars have a common ancestor.

    • Insects are more complex than mammals.

    Correct Answer
    A. Earthworms and sea stars have a common ancestor.
    Explanation
    The answer is Earthworms and sea stars have a common ancestor. This can be inferred from the diagram representing evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms. The diagram likely shows a branching pattern, with different groups of organisms stemming from a common ancestor. Therefore, it can be concluded that earthworms and sea stars share a common ancestor.

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  • 11. 

    A change in the base subunit sequence during DNA replication can result in

    • Variation within an organism

    • Rapid evolution of an organism

    • Synthesis of antigens to protect the cell

    • Recombination of genes within the cell

    Correct Answer
    A. Variation within an organism
    Explanation
    During DNA replication, the base subunit sequence can be altered, leading to variations within an organism. These variations can result in genetic diversity, which is important for the survival and adaptation of a species. It allows for the introduction of new traits and the potential to better withstand changes in the environment. This variation can occur through mutations, which can be beneficial, harmful, or have no effect on the organism. Therefore, a change in the base subunit sequence during DNA replication can lead to variation within an organism.

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  • 12. 

    A characteristic that an organism exhibits during its lifetime will only affect the evolution of its species if the characteristic

    • Results from isolation of the organism from the rest of the population

    • Is due to a genetic code that is present in the gametes of the organism

    • Decreases the number of genes in the body cells of the organism

    • Causes a change in the environment surrounding the organism

    Correct Answer
    A. Is due to a genetic code that is present in the gametes of the organism
    Explanation
    If a characteristic is due to a genetic code that is present in the gametes of the organism, it means that the characteristic can be passed on to future generations through reproduction. This is important for evolution because it allows the characteristic to become more prevalent in the population over time. Characteristics that are not present in the gametes, such as those acquired during an organism's lifetime, cannot be inherited and therefore do not directly affect the evolution of the species.

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  • 13. 

    Certain insects resemble the bark of the trees on which they live. Which statement provides a possible biological explanation for this resemblance?

    • The insects needed camouflage so they developed protective coloration.

    • Natural selection played a role in the development of this protective coloration.

    • The lack of mutations resulted in the protective coloration.

    • The trees caused mutations in the insects that resulted in protective coloration.

    Correct Answer
    A. Natural selection played a role in the development of this protective coloration.
    Explanation
    The statement "Natural selection played a role in the development of this protective coloration" provides a possible biological explanation for the resemblance between certain insects and the bark of the trees they live on. Natural selection is the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. In this case, the insects that had protective coloration similar to the tree bark would have been better able to hide from predators, increasing their chances of survival. Over time, this trait would have become more common in the population due to natural selection.

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  • 14. 

    A species of bird known as Bird of Paradise has been observed in the jungles of New Guinea. The males shake their bodies and sometimes hang upside down to show off their bright colors and long feathers to attract females. Females usually mate with the "flashiest" males. These observations can be used to support the concept that

    • Unusual courtship behaviors lead to extinction

    • Some organisms are better adapted for asexual reproduction

    • Homeostasis in an organism is influenced by physical characteristics

    • Behaviors that lead to reproductive success have evolved

    Correct Answer
    A. Behaviors that lead to reproductive success have evolved
    Explanation
    The given observations of the Bird of Paradise species in the jungles of New Guinea, where males exhibit unique courtship behaviors to attract females, support the concept that behaviors that lead to reproductive success have evolved. This is because the males' shaking of their bodies and hanging upside down, along with their bright colors and long feathers, are traits that have been selected for over time due to their ability to attract mates and increase the chances of successful reproduction.

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  • 15. 

    According to the fossil record, which sequence correctly represents the evolution of life on Earth?

    • Fish --> amphibians --> mammals --> soft-bodied organisms

    • Fish --> soft-bodied organisms --> mammals --> amphibians

    • Soft-bodied organisms --> amphibians --> fish --> mammals

    • Soft-bodied organisms --> fish --> amphibians --> mammals

    Correct Answer
    A. Soft-bodied organisms --> fish --> amphibians --> mammals
    Explanation
    The correct answer is soft-bodied organisms --> fish --> amphibians --> mammals. This sequence represents the most accepted understanding of the evolution of life on Earth based on the fossil record. Soft-bodied organisms were among the earliest forms of life, followed by the emergence of fish. Amphibians then evolved from fish, and mammals evolved from amphibians. This sequence aligns with the gradual development and diversification of different species over time.

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  • 16. 
    The diagram below represents four different species of wild birds. Each species has feet with different structural adaptations. The development of these adaptations can best be explained by the concept of - ProProfs

    The diagram below represents four different species of wild birds. Each species has feet with different structural adaptations. The development of these adaptations can best be explained by the concept of

    • Inbheritance of resistance to diseases that affect all these species

    • Inheritance of characteristics acquired after the birds hatched from the egg

    • Natural selection

    • Selective breeding

    Correct Answer
    A. Natural selection
    Explanation
    The diagram represents four different species of wild birds with feet that have different structural adaptations. The best explanation for the development of these adaptations is natural selection. Natural selection is the process by which organisms with traits that are advantageous for their environment have a higher chance of survival and passing on their genes to the next generation. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of traits that are well-suited for the species' specific needs and environment. In this case, the different structural adaptations in the birds' feet likely evolved through natural selection to help them better survive and thrive in their respective habitats.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 18, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 21, 2014
    Quiz Created by
    Fogellh
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