Natural Selection Study Quiz
Challenge your understanding of evolutionary biology with our "Natural Selection Study Quiz." This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of the key principles of natural selection, as introduced by Charles Darwin. Explore how adaptive traits evolve in response to environmental pressures and how different types of natural selection, such as stabilizing, directional, and disruptive selection, shape the diversity of life on Earth.
Whether you're a student preparing for an exam or simply looking to deepen your understanding of evolution, this quiz offers a comprehensive review of natural selection concepts. Test your skills and reinforce your learning with our engaging Read moreand informative quiz!
Natural Selection Study Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following is a human adaptation to survive in cold temperatures?
- A.
Increased melanin production
- B.
Sweating
- C.
Shivering
- D.
Increased lung capacity
Correct Answer
C. ShiveringExplanation
Shivering is a physiological adaptation that helps humans survive in cold temperatures. When the body is exposed to cold, shivering occurs as a rapid, involuntary contraction of muscles. These muscle contractions generate heat, helping to maintain the body's core temperature. This response is part of the body's thermoregulation mechanism, which is crucial for preventing hypothermia in cold environments.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following is not a principle that Darwin identified to affect Natural Selection?
- A.
Overproduction
- B.
Adaptation
- C.
Variation
- D.
Replication
Correct Answer
D. ReplicationExplanation
Darwin did not identify replication as a principle that affects natural selection. Replication refers to the process of copying genetic material to produce offspring, which is a fundamental aspect of reproduction. However, it is not considered a principle that directly influences natural selection. Natural selection is driven by factors such as overproduction, adaptation, and variation, which determine the survival and reproductive success of individuals in a population.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Darwin said that __________ was the key to developing new species based on what he observed on the Galapagos Islands.
- A.
Reproduction
- B.
Transcription
- C.
Artificial selection
- D.
Isolation
Correct Answer
D. IsolationExplanation
Darwin observed that isolation played a crucial role in the development of new species on the Galapagos Islands. Isolation refers to the separation of populations, either geographically or reproductively, which prevents gene flow between them. This isolation allows for the accumulation of genetic variations over time, leading to the formation of distinct species. Therefore, isolation is the key factor identified by Darwin in the process of speciation.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What did Kettlewell figure out when he studied the English Peppered Moths?
- A.
Moths can choose to change color if they want to.
- B.
Moths usually move away from areas with pollution.
- C.
The trees changed colors to prevent moths from resting on them.
- D.
Natural selection was responsible for the change in color of the population of moths.
Correct Answer
D. Natural selection was responsible for the change in color of the population of moths.Explanation
Kettlewell discovered that natural selection was responsible for the change in color of the population of moths. This means that the moths with advantageous traits, such as a color that camouflages them against predators, were more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this led to a higher proportion of moths with the advantageous trait in the population. This observation supports the theory of evolution by natural selection, which states that individuals with traits that increase their fitness are more likely to pass on those traits to future generations.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What did Darwin observe about the Galapagos Tortoises?
- A.
They were stupid and ugly animals.
- B.
They had different shaped shells which seemed to be based on the available food found on each island.
- C.
Predators were killing them by the thousands.
- D.
They would dive into the ocean to find food.
Correct Answer
B. They had different shaped shells which seemed to be based on the available food found on each island.Explanation
Darwin observed that the Galapagos Tortoises had different shaped shells which seemed to be based on the available food found on each island. This suggests that the tortoises' shell morphology was influenced by the specific vegetation and food sources present on each island. This observation provides evidence for the theory of natural selection, as the tortoises with shells that were better suited to their respective environments would have had a higher chance of survival and reproduction.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following describes camouflage?
- A.
A Viceroy Butterfly looks like a Monarch, so Blue Jays are less likely to eat them.
- B.
A Snowshoe Hare changes its fur color from brown to white to blend in with the snow during the winter.
- C.
Blue-footed Boobies do a dance to attract mates.
- D.
A Spotted Salamander has bright yellow spots to warn predators that it is toxic.
Correct Answer
B. A Snowshoe Hare changes its fur color from brown to white to blend in with the snow during the winter.Explanation
A Snowshoe Hare changes its fur color from brown to white to blend in with the snow during the winter. This describes camouflage because the hare is able to change its fur color to match its surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot it in the snow. This adaptation allows the hare to blend in and remain hidden, increasing its chances of survival.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In Origin of Species, Darwin wrote: “…that the view which most naturalists entertain, and which I formerly entertained – namely that each species has been independently created – is erroneous.” What was he really saying?
- A.
“I have spent a long time figuring this out.”
- B.
"What we all used to think was wrong.”
- C.
"Because life is a struggle, organisms are changed by natural selection.”
- D.
"From a simple start, organisms have continued to change.”
Correct Answer
B. "What we all used to think was wrong.”Explanation
Darwin was stating that the commonly held belief among naturalists, including himself in the past, that each species was independently created is incorrect. He is implying that this belief has been proven wrong through his research and understanding of the origin of species.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In Origin of Species, Darwin explained that new species must occur by means of
- A.
Selective Breeding
- B.
Intelligent Design
- C.
Natural Selection
- D.
Evolution
Correct Answer
C. Natural SelectionExplanation
In Origin of Species, Darwin proposed that new species arise through natural selection. This process involves the differential survival and reproduction of individuals with favorable traits, leading to the accumulation of advantageous traits in a population over time. Natural selection acts on variations within a population, selecting those traits that increase an organism's fitness and allowing them to pass on their genes to the next generation. This gradual accumulation of small changes over generations eventually results in the formation of new species.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In the context of natural selection, the concept of "fitness" is best described as:
- A.
The physical strength and agility of an organism in its environment.
- B.
The organism's ability to survive to reproductive age, find a mate, and produce offspring.
- C.
The capacity of an organism to compete for resources in its habitat.
- D.
The ability of an organism to adapt to environmental changes through mutations.
Correct Answer
B. The organism's ability to survive to reproductive age, find a mate, and produce offspring.Explanation
In natural selection, "fitness" refers to an organism's reproductive success and its ability to pass on its genes to the next generation. It's not solely about strength or agility but about how well an organism can survive and reproduce within its environment, thereby contributing to the genetic makeup of future generations.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following is an example of homologous structures?
- A.
Whale hip bones.
- B.
Embryos of fish and birds both make gill slits.
- C.
Mice and chicken differ by only 25 amino acids when they make hemoglobin protein.
- D.
Rabbits and birds have the same bones in the same order in their forelimbs, even though they use them for different purposes.
Correct Answer
D. Rabbits and birds have the same bones in the same order in their forelimbs, even though they use them for different purposes.Explanation
Rabbits and birds having the same bones in the same order in their forelimbs, despite using them for different purposes, is an example of homologous structures. This suggests that these species share a common ancestor and have evolved from it, retaining the same basic bone structure. The similarity in bone structure indicates a common evolutionary origin, even though the functions of the forelimbs have diverged in these two species.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Oct 25, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Apr 04, 2012Quiz Created by
Jkobak
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