- Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the theory of punctuated equilibrium?
A) Evolution occurs slowly and steadily over time.
B) Species remain stable for long periods, interrupted by brief periods of rapid change.
C) All species evolve at the same rate.
D) Evolution only occurs in response to environmental changes.
Answer: B) Species remain stable for long periods, interrupted by brief periods of rapid change.
Explanation: Punctuated equilibrium posits that species experience long periods of stability with little evolutionary change, punctuated by brief, rapid changes and speciation events, often due to significant environmental shifts.
- What is the term for the evolutionary process by which species evolve to become more different from each other?
A) Convergent evolution
B) Divergent evolution
C) Parallel evolution
D) Coevolution
Answer: B) Divergent evolution
Explanation: Divergent evolution occurs when two or more related species become more different over time, usually as they adapt to different environments or ecological niches. This can result in the formation of new species.
- Which of the following processes is responsible for introducing new genetic variation into a population?
A) Genetic drift
B) Natural selection
C) Gene flow
D) Stabilizing selection
Answer: C) Gene flow
Explanation: Gene flow refers to the transfer of genetic material between populations, often through migration. This process introduces new alleles into a population, increasing genetic variation and potentially affecting evolution.
- Which of the following is a benefit of genetic diversity in a population?
A) Increased susceptibility to diseases
B) Greater resilience to environmental changes
C) Higher rates of mutation
D) Decreased survival rates
Answer: B) Greater resilience to environmental changes
Explanation: Genetic diversity enhances a population’s ability to adapt to environmental changes and challenges, improving its overall resilience and survival chances in changing conditions.
- Which of the following concepts is illustrated by the similar body structures of dolphins and sharks?
A) Convergent evolution
B) Divergent evolution
C) Parallel evolution
D) Coevolution
Answer: A) Convergent evolution
Explanation: Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits or adaptations due to similar environmental pressures. Dolphins (mammals) and sharks (fish) both have streamlined bodies for efficient swimming despite their different evolutionary backgrounds.
- What is the primary driving force behind natural selection?
A) Random mating
B) Environmental changes
C) Genetic drift
D) Gene flow
Answer: B) Environmental changes
Explanation: Natural selection is primarily driven by environmental changes that create selective pressures, favoring individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproductive success in a particular environment.
- Which of the following can lead to the development of new species through reproductive isolation?
A) Gene flow
B) Allopatric speciation
C) Genetic drift
D) Stabilizing selection
Answer: B) Allopatric speciation
Explanation: Allopatric speciation occurs when a population becomes geographically isolated, leading to reproductive isolation and divergence over time. This process can result in the formation of new species as they adapt to their respective environments.
- Which of the following statements best defines “survival of the fittest”?
A) Only the strongest individuals survive.
B) The most adaptable individuals survive and reproduce.
C) Survival is random and not influenced by traits.
D) Only individuals with the highest intelligence survive.
Answer: B) The most adaptable individuals survive and reproduce.
Explanation: “Survival of the fittest” refers to the idea that individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing their advantageous traits to the next generation.
- Which of the following best describes the term “adaptive radiation”?
A) The gradual change of species over time
B) Rapid diversification of a species into multiple forms to adapt to different environments
C) The extinction of many species in a short time
D) The introduction of new species to an ecosystem
Answer: B) Rapid diversification of a species into multiple forms to adapt to different environments
Explanation: Adaptive radiation occurs when a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches. This process often follows mass extinctions or the colonization of new environments.
- Which of the following factors can contribute to speciation?
A) Genetic drift
B) Natural selection
C) Geographic isolation
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Speciation can occur through multiple mechanisms, including genetic drift, natural selection, and geographic isolation. Each of these factors can lead to reproductive isolation and the eventual emergence of new species.
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