1.
The ancient bipedal hominid called "Taung Child" is a member of which species?
Correct Answer
B. Australopithecus africanus
Explanation
The Taung Child, an ancient bipedal hominid, is a member of the species Australopithecus africanus. This species is known for being one of the earliest known ancestors of modern humans. The Taung Child, discovered in South Africa in 1924, played a crucial role in providing evidence for the theory of human evolution. Its fossilized skull provided valuable insights into the physical characteristics and development of early hominids.
2.
The ancient bipedal hominid called "Lucy" is a member of which species?
Correct Answer
A. Australopithecus aferensis
Explanation
Lucy, the ancient bipedal hominid, is a member of the species Australopithecus aferensis. This is determined based on fossil evidence and analysis, which has identified Lucy's skeletal features and characteristics as belonging to this species. Australopithecus aferensis is an extinct species of early hominids that lived in East Africa around 3.9-2.9 million years ago. Lucy's discovery has provided valuable insights into human evolution and our understanding of early hominid species.
3.
The ancient bipedal hominid called "Handy Man" is a member of which species?
Correct Answer
B. Homo habilis
Explanation
Homo habilis is the correct answer because it is commonly referred to as "Handy Man." This species lived approximately 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago and is considered one of the earliest members of the genus Homo. Homo habilis is known for its stone tool-making abilities, which earned it the nickname "Handy Man." This species played a significant role in human evolution by demonstrating early tool use and technological advancements.
4.
Modern humans are members of which species?
Correct Answer
C. Homo sapiens
Explanation
Modern humans are members of the species Homo sapiens. This is the correct answer because Homo sapiens is the scientific name for modern humans. Homo neanderthalensis, Homo habilis, and Homo erectus are all different species of early humans that lived before modern humans evolved.
5.
Which of the following is not a monkey?
Correct Answer
A. Homo sapiens
Explanation
Homo sapiens is not a monkey because it belongs to the species of great apes, specifically humans. Monkeys are a separate group within the primate order, characterized by their smaller size, long tails, and different anatomical features. While baboons, lemurs, and tarsiers are all examples of monkeys, Homo sapiens is not.
6.
The oldest living primate group are the ___.
Correct Answer
A. Prosimians
Explanation
Prosimians are considered the oldest living primate group because they are believed to have evolved earlier than other primate groups. They are small, nocturnal primates with characteristics such as a wet nose, large eyes, and a keen sense of smell. Prosimians include lemurs, tarsiers, and lorises. They are found primarily in Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and Africa. This group is considered to be more primitive compared to old world monkeys and hominids, which have evolved more recently. Gorillas, on the other hand, are a species within the hominid group and are not considered the oldest living primate group.
7.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of hominids?
Correct Answer
A. Prehensile tails
Explanation
Hominids are a group of primates that includes humans and their closest relatives. One of the characteristics of hominids is walking upright, which distinguishes them from other primates who primarily walk on all fours. Another characteristic is the presence of opposable thumbs, which allow for fine motor skills and tool use. Hominids are also known for having large brains, which are associated with higher cognitive abilities. However, prehensile tails, which are tails that can grasp or hold objects, are not a characteristic of hominids.
8.
What is the only hominid to co-exist with Homo sapiens in Europe?
Correct Answer
B. Homo neanderthalensis
Explanation
Homo neanderthalensis is the correct answer because it is the only hominid species that co-existed with Homo sapiens in Europe. Homo erectus, Homo habilis, and Homo robustus did not overlap in time or geographical location with Homo sapiens in Europe.
9.
Humans are thought to be descendants of ___.
Correct Answer
A. Homo erectus
Explanation
Homo erectus is believed to be the direct ancestor of modern humans. Fossil evidence suggests that Homo erectus lived approximately 1.9 million to 70,000 years ago and had characteristics similar to modern humans, such as a larger brain size and the ability to walk upright. This species is considered a crucial link in the evolutionary chain leading to Homo sapiens, making it the most likely option for humans' descendants.
10.
What two groups are most hominid species classified into?
Correct Answer
A. Australopithecus and Homo
Explanation
The two groups that most hominid species are classified into are Australopithecus and Homo. Australopithecus is a genus of early hominids that existed in Africa around 4 million to 2 million years ago, while Homo is a genus that includes modern humans and their closest extinct relatives. These two groups represent different stages of human evolution and are important in understanding the development of our species.
11.
In searching for the origins of humanity, what characteristic did scientists identify as the first step in human evolution?
Correct Answer
A. Bipedal locomotion
Explanation
Scientists have identified bipedal locomotion as the first step in human evolution. This means that the ability to walk upright on two legs was a crucial characteristic that distinguished early humans from their primate ancestors. Bipedalism allowed our ancestors to free up their hands for tool use and eventually led to the development of other human traits such as increased brain size, language, and art. Therefore, bipedal locomotion is considered the initial key adaptation that set humans on the path to becoming the species we are today.
12.
Why is it most common to find only the skull of an ancient hominid?
Correct Answer
B. Scavengers can carry off the smaller bones much more easily.
Explanation
The most common reason for finding only the skull of an ancient hominid is that scavengers can carry off the smaller bones much more easily. Scavengers such as hyenas, lions, and other animals are attracted to the remains of dead animals and often carry away smaller bones to their dens or feeding grounds. The skull, being larger and more solid, is less likely to be carried off and therefore more likely to be preserved and found by archaeologists. This is why it is common to find only the skull of an ancient hominid.
13.
Scientist often take dirt samples from the area around the fossil find. They do this to ....
Correct Answer
A. Help determine the relative age of the fossil
Explanation
Scientists often take dirt samples from the area around the fossil find to help determine the relative age of the fossil. By analyzing the layers of sediment and the types of rocks present in the dirt samples, scientists can establish the geological context of the fossil. This information allows them to estimate the age of the fossil based on the age of the surrounding rock layers, providing valuable insights into the timeline of Earth's history and the evolutionary timeline of species.
14.
To help unravel the mysteries of human evolution, paleoanthropologists use all of the following except ___.
Correct Answer
D. Written historical records
Explanation
Paleoanthropologists study human evolution by analyzing various sources of evidence. They rely on fossilized bones to understand physical characteristics, endocasts of the brains to examine brain structures, and molecular clocks to estimate the timing of evolutionary events. However, they do not use written historical records as these records generally do not extend far enough back in time to provide information on human evolution. Therefore, written historical records are not a useful tool for paleoanthropologists in unraveling the mysteries of human evolution.
15.
Which of the following facts supporting evolution would be found in the study of paleontology?
Correct Answer
D. More primative fossils are found below more complex fossils in the rock layers.
Explanation
In the study of paleontology, the fact that more primitive fossils are found below more complex fossils in the rock layers supports the idea of evolution. This is because it suggests a progression of life forms over time, with simpler organisms appearing earlier in the fossil record and more complex organisms appearing later. This pattern is consistent with the concept of common ancestry and the gradual evolution of species over millions of years.
16.
All of the following branches of science provide evidence for evolution EXCEPT ___.
Correct Answer
D. Oncology
Explanation
Oncology is the study of cancer, which does not directly provide evidence for evolution. Biogeography studies the distribution of species, which can provide evidence for evolution through patterns of migration and adaptation. Embryology studies the development of embryos, which can provide evidence for evolution through similarities in early stages of development across different species. Paleontology studies fossils, which can provide evidence for evolution through the discovery of transitional forms. Therefore, all the given branches of science except oncology provide evidence for evolution.
17.
Modern whales have vestigieal pelvic bones and lungs instead of gills. What does this evidence suggest about whale ancestors?
Correct Answer
A. Whale ancestors lived on land.
Explanation
The evidence of modern whales having vestigial pelvic bones and lungs instead of gills suggests that their ancestors lived on land. This is because pelvic bones are typically found in land-dwelling animals for the attachment of hind limbs, and lungs are adapted for breathing air rather than extracting oxygen from water like gills. Therefore, it can be inferred that whales evolved from terrestrial ancestors and gradually adapted to an aquatic lifestyle over time.
18.
The wing of an ostrich would be classified as a(n) ___.
Correct Answer
C. Vestigial structure
Explanation
The wing of an ostrich would be classified as a vestigial structure. This is because ostriches have wings, but they are unable to fly. The wings have become reduced in size and are no longer functional for flight, making them vestigial.
19.
Charles Darwin's poetic grandfather was ___.
Correct Answer
A. Erasmus Darwin
Explanation
Erasmus Darwin was Charles Darwin's poetic grandfather. Erasmus was a physician, natural philosopher, and poet who had a significant influence on Charles Darwin's thinking and scientific pursuits. He was known for his evolutionary ideas and poetic writings, which laid the groundwork for Charles Darwin's own theories on evolution. Therefore, Erasmus Darwin is the correct answer in this context.
20.
The process of biological change over time by which descendants come to differ from their ancestors is called ___.
Correct Answer
A. Evolution
Explanation
Evolution is the correct answer because it refers to the process of biological change over time, where descendants gradually differ from their ancestors. This process occurs through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic mutation, and genetic drift. Evolution is a fundamental concept in biology and explains the diversity of life on Earth. It is supported by extensive scientific evidence from various fields, including genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy.
21.
Charles Darwin found fossils that looked like ancient versions of living species. From this evidence Darwin suggested that Earth was
Correct Answer
D. Much more than 6000 years old.
Explanation
Charles Darwin found fossils that looked like ancient versions of living species. This suggests that these species existed long before the present day. If Earth was only 6000 or 2000 years old, as the other options suggest, it would not allow enough time for these ancient versions of species to exist. Therefore, the most reasonable explanation is that Earth is much more than 6000 years old.
22.
Which theory states that floods and earthquakes have occurred often in Earth's history?
Correct Answer
A. CatastropHism
Explanation
Catastrophism is the theory that suggests that floods and earthquakes have occurred frequently in Earth's history. This theory proposes that these natural disasters are caused by sudden and violent events, rather than gradual processes. It suggests that the Earth's landscape has been shaped by catastrophic events, such as floods and earthquakes, rather than slow and continuous changes. This theory contrasts with uniformitarianism, which argues that geological processes occur gradually over long periods of time. Gradualism and natural selection are unrelated to the occurrence of floods and earthquakes.
23.
Which scientist developed a classification system for organisms?
Correct Answer
B. Carolus Linnaeus
Explanation
Carolus Linnaeus developed a classification system for organisms. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy and his system, known as Linnaean taxonomy, is still used today. Linnaeus classified organisms based on their physical characteristics and grouped them into hierarchical categories such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. His system provided a standardized way to organize and name different species, making it easier for scientists to study and understand the diversity of life on Earth.
24.
What is the term for a feature that allows an organism to survive better in its environment?
Correct Answer
B. Adaptation
Explanation
Adaptation is the correct answer because it refers to a feature or trait that allows an organism to better survive in its environment. Through the process of natural selection, organisms with advantageous adaptations are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these beneficial traits to future generations. This enables the species to better adapt and thrive in their specific environment over time.
25.
If an organism has a vestigial structure, that structure likely once had a function in a(n)
Correct Answer
A. Earlier ancestor.
Explanation
If an organism has a vestigial structure, it means that the structure is present in the organism but no longer serves a purpose. This suggests that the structure was functional in an earlier ancestor but has become obsolete in the current organism. Therefore, the correct answer is "earlier ancestor."
26.
Which scientist proposed that if an organism used a structure so much that it grew, the trait of that larger structure could be passed to its offspring?
Correct Answer
A. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Explanation
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed the theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics, which suggests that if an organism used a structure extensively, causing it to grow, that trait of the larger structure could be passed on to its offspring. This theory, known as Lamarckism, was one of the earliest attempts to explain how traits are inherited and was later proven to be incorrect by the discovery of genetics.
27.
Which of the following is a term for a group of similar organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring?
Correct Answer
C. Species
Explanation
A species is a term for a group of similar organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring. This means that individuals within a species are able to mate and produce offspring that are also capable of reproducing. This is a fundamental concept in biology and is used to classify and categorize different organisms based on their ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring.
28.
The difference in the physical traits of an individual from those of other individuals in a group is called a(n)
Correct Answer
A. Variation.
Explanation
The term "variation" refers to the differences in physical traits among individuals within a group. It signifies that individuals within a population may have different characteristics, such as height, eye color, or hair type. "Change" refers to a general alteration or modification, which may not necessarily involve physical traits. "Adaptation" refers to the process by which organisms adjust to their environment over time. "Species" refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Therefore, "variation" is the most appropriate term to describe the differences in physical traits among individuals in a group.
29.
Which of the following is a fossil?
Correct Answer
D. A trace of an organism that existed in the past
Explanation
The correct answer is "a trace of an organism that existed in the past." Fossils are the preserved remains, impressions, or traces of organisms that lived in the past. These traces can include bones, shells, footprints, or even imprints of leaves or feathers. Fossils provide valuable evidence of past life forms and help scientists understand the history and evolution of different species.
30.
Which of the following facts supporting evolution would be found in the study of biogeography?
Correct Answer
C. Large, flightless birds are found on different continents: Australia (Emu), Africa (Ostrich), and Rhea (South America).
Explanation
The fact that large, flightless birds are found on different continents supports the theory of evolution because it suggests that these birds evolved separately on each continent after their ancestors were separated by geographic barriers. This is known as convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in different species due to similar environmental pressures. The presence of flightless birds in different locations indicates that these birds adapted to similar ecological niches on different continents, which is consistent with the concept of evolution.
31.
What type of selection occurs when individuals in a population with the intermediate phenotype are selected for?
Correct Answer
B. Stabilizing selection
Explanation
Stabilizing selection occurs when individuals with the intermediate phenotype are selected for. This means that individuals with extreme phenotypes are less likely to survive and reproduce, while individuals with average or intermediate phenotypes have a higher fitness. This type of selection reduces genetic variation in a population and maintains the status quo, favoring the average phenotype over extremes.
32.
The combined alleles of all the individuals in a population is called the ___.
Correct Answer
B. Gene pool
Explanation
The combined alleles of all the individuals in a population is called the gene pool. The gene pool represents the total genetic diversity within a population and includes all the different alleles for every gene present in the population. It is an important concept in population genetics and evolution as it influences the potential for genetic variation and adaptation within a population.
33.
Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph?
Correct Answer
A. Directional selection
Explanation
The graph shows a shift in the population towards one extreme phenotype over time. This indicates that individuals with this extreme phenotype have a higher fitness and are more likely to survive and reproduce. This is characteristic of directional selection, where the average phenotype of the population changes in a specific direction.
34.
Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph?
Correct Answer
B. Disruptive selection
Explanation
The graph depicts disruptive selection. Disruptive selection occurs when individuals with extreme traits have higher fitness than individuals with intermediate traits. In the graph, the individuals with the highest and lowest trait values have the highest fitness, while those with intermediate trait values have lower fitness. This leads to the splitting of the population into two distinct groups with different trait values.
35.
Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph?
Correct Answer
C. Stabilizing selection
Explanation
Stabilizing selection is depicted in the graph because it shows that the individuals with average or intermediate traits have the highest fitness and are favored by natural selection. This leads to a reduction in the variation of the trait over time, as extreme traits are selected against.
36.
When a few individuals start a new colony, it most likely results in ...
Correct Answer
A. Genetic drift through the founder effect.
Explanation
When a few individuals start a new colony, it most likely results in genetic drift through the founder effect. This is because when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, the genetic makeup of the founding individuals becomes the basis for the entire population. As a result, any genetic variations present in the founding individuals will become more prevalent in the new population, leading to genetic drift. This process can result in reduced genetic diversity and the potential for unique genetic traits to become more common in the population.
37.
The movement of alleles from one population to another is called ___.
Correct Answer
D. Gene flow
Explanation
Gene flow refers to the movement of alleles (different versions of genes) from one population to another through the migration of individuals. This movement of genetic material can introduce new alleles into a population, increasing genetic diversity. Gene flow can also help to prevent the accumulation of genetic differences between populations, as it promotes the exchange of genetic information. Therefore, the correct answer is gene flow.
38.
Which of the following is not a mechanism for evolution?
Correct Answer
D. Random mating
Explanation
Random mating is not a mechanism for evolution because it does not cause any changes in the gene pool of a population. In random mating, individuals mate without any preference for certain traits or characteristics, and there is no selection pressure acting on the population. As a result, the frequency of alleles in the gene pool remains unchanged over generations, and no new genetic variations are introduced. In contrast, natural selection, sexual selection, and genetic drift can all lead to changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time, driving evolution.
39.
Which of the five mechanisms of evolution is illustrated in the following scenario: A change in body color enabled animals to better hide from predators.
Correct Answer
A. Natural selection
Explanation
The correct answer is natural selection. 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 scenario, animals with a change in body color that allowed them to better hide from predators would have a higher chance of survival compared to those without the advantageous trait. Over time, the population would be dominated by individuals with the advantageous body color, illustrating natural selection.
40.
When a male bird of paradise displays its tail feathers, it is exhibiting ____ behavior.
Correct Answer
B. Intersexual selection
Explanation
When a male bird of paradise displays its tail feathers, it is exhibiting intersexual selection behavior. Intersexual selection refers to the process where individuals of one sex (in this case, the male bird of paradise) display certain traits or behaviors to attract individuals of the opposite sex (in this case, the female bird of paradise). The elaborate display of tail feathers is a form of courtship behavior aimed at attracting a mate. This behavior increases the male's chances of reproductive success by enticing females to choose him as a mate.
41.
When an individual ___ from its population, the genetic diversity of the population decreases.
Correct Answer
A. Emigrates
Explanation
When an individual emigrates from its population, it leaves the population and takes its genetic material with it. This results in a decrease in the genetic diversity of the population because the gene pool becomes smaller. The genetic diversity of a population is important for its overall health and ability to adapt to changes in the environment. Therefore, when individuals emigrate, it reduces the genetic diversity and can have negative effects on the population's long-term survival and adaptability.
42.
Which of the following is not a condition for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
Correct Answer
F. No overproduction
Explanation
The condition of "no overproduction" is not a requirement for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes that there is no natural selection, no sexual selection, no mutation, no genetic drift, and no gene flow. Overproduction refers to the idea that populations produce more offspring than can survive, leading to competition for resources and natural selection. However, this condition is not necessary for the maintenance of genetic equilibrium according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle.
43.
___ is a type of reproductive isolation in which differing mating rituals prevent individuals from different populations from mating.
Correct Answer
B. Behavioral isolation
Explanation
Behavioral isolation is a type of reproductive isolation where individuals from different populations are unable to mate due to differences in their mating rituals. This means that even if individuals from different populations come into contact with each other, they will not mate because their behaviors and rituals do not align. This type of isolation plays a crucial role in maintaining species boundaries and promoting speciation, as it prevents gene flow between populations with different mating behaviors.
44.
___ is a type of reproductive isolation in which oceans, mountains, or deserts keep populations from interbreeding.
Correct Answer
A. GeograpHic isolation
Explanation
Geographic isolation refers to a type of reproductive isolation where physical barriers like oceans, mountains, or deserts prevent populations from interbreeding. These barriers create separate habitats for different populations, limiting their gene flow and leading to the development of distinct species over time. This isolation is crucial in promoting speciation and the formation of new species.
45.
___ is a process by which unrelated organisms independantly evolve similar features in response to changes in the environment.
Correct Answer
B. Convergent evolution
Explanation
Convergent evolution is a process by which unrelated organisms independently evolve similar features in response to changes in the environment. This occurs when different species face similar environmental pressures and develop similar adaptations to survive and thrive in those conditions. These similarities in traits and characteristics are not due to a common ancestor, but rather a result of parallel evolution. Convergent evolution is often seen in different species that occupy similar ecological niches, such as the wings of bats and birds, which have evolved independently for flight.
46.
___ is a type of evolution in which organisms change in response to other organisms with which they have ecological relationships.
Correct Answer
A. Coevolution
Explanation
Coevolution is the correct answer because it refers to the type of evolution where organisms change in response to other organisms they have ecological relationships with. This term describes the reciprocal influence and adaptation between different species that interact closely with each other, such as predator-prey relationships or mutualistic interactions. It highlights the idea that evolutionary changes in one species can drive changes in another species, leading to a continuous cycle of adaptation and response.
47.
The process by which new species arise from prior species is known as ___.
Correct Answer
A. Speciation
Explanation
Speciation refers to the process of the formation of new species from existing ones. It occurs when a population of organisms becomes reproductively isolated from other populations, leading to genetic divergence and the development of distinct characteristics over time. This can happen through various mechanisms such as geographic isolation, genetic mutations, or natural selection. Speciation is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology and is supported by extensive scientific evidence. Genetic anomaly, divine creation, and the bottleneck effect are not accurate descriptions of the process of new species formation.
48.
The differences between members of the same species are known as ___.
Correct Answer
A. Variations
Explanation
Members of the same species can exhibit variations, which refer to the differences in their physical traits or characteristics. These variations can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Variations are important for the survival and evolution of a species as they provide the raw material for natural selection to act upon. Through variations, individuals within a species can have different advantages or disadvantages in their ability to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual change and adaptation of the species over time. Adaptations, mutations, and genetic isolation are related concepts but do not encompass the overall differences between members of the same species.
49.
A ___ is a group of individuals of the same species in the same geographic area.
Correct Answer
A. Population
Explanation
A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that exist in the same geographic area. This term is commonly used in ecology and biology to describe the number of organisms of a particular species in a specific location. It helps scientists understand the dynamics, distribution, and interactions within a species.
50.
The process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully than others is known as ___.
Correct Answer
A. Natural selection
Explanation
Natural selection is the process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproductive success. This leads to the passing on of advantageous traits to future generations, while individuals with less favorable traits are less likely to survive and reproduce. This process ultimately drives the evolution of species over time, as favorable traits become more common in a population. Sexual selection, genetic drift, and gene flow are other mechanisms that can influence the genetic composition of a population, but they are not specifically related to individuals being better suited to their environment.