Evolution and Biodiversity: Interactive Quizzes for Year 11 Science

Question 1

According to natural selection, which individuals are most likely to survive and reproduce?

Accepted Answer

Those with inherited traits that increase reproductive success in their environment

Answer

Those with the weakest adaptations

Answer

Those with the highest chance of mutation

Answer

Those with the largest population

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct order of the taxonomic levels, from broadest to most specific?

Accepted Answer

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Answer

Species, Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum, Kingdom, Domain

Answer

Domain, Phylum, Kingdom, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Answer

Species, Genus, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Domain

Question 3

Which of the following is a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species that has a disproportionate effect on the ecosystem relative to its abundance

Answer

A species that is found in a wide variety of habitats

Answer

A species that is a top predator

Answer

A species that is a primary producer

Question 4

Which of the following is not a factor that contributes to natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Acquired characteristics inherited from parents

Answer

Variation within a population

Answer

Competition for limited resources

Answer

Random genetic mutations

Question 5

Arrange the following taxonomic ranks in the correct sequence, from the broadest to the most specific:

Accepted Answer

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Answer

Kingdom, Order, Phylum, Family, Class, Genus, Species

Answer

Species, Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum, Kingdom

Answer

Genus, Species, Family, Class, Order, Phylum, Kingdom

Question 6

The gradual change in the genetic makeup of a population over time is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Natural selection

Question 7

The intricate network of interconnected organisms and their interactions within an ecosystem is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Food web

Answer

Trophic pyramid

Answer

Symbiotic relationship

Answer

Ecological niche

Question 8

Name the systematic method used to organize and categorize living organisms into distinct groups.

Accepted Answer

Taxonomy

Answer

Phylogeny

Answer

Ecology

Answer

Morphology

Question 9

Identify the highest-ranking taxonomic category in the hierarchical classification system.

Accepted Answer

Domain

Answer

Species

Answer

Genus

Answer

Family

Question 10

Define the term that encompasses the vast array of life forms on Earth.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

Answer

Endemism

Answer

Conservation

Answer

Ecology

Question 11

How do population size and genetic variation affect the speed of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Larger populations with more genetic variation evolve faster.

Answer

Population size doesn't matter, only genetic variation affects evolution speed.

Answer

Genetic variation speeds up evolution, while population size slows it down.

Answer

Both population size and genetic variation slow down evolution.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Acquired characteristics

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 13

According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, which individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce?

Accepted Answer

Those with traits that make them better suited to their environment

Answer

Those with the largest size

Answer

Those with the strongest coloration

Answer

Those with the most aggressive behavior

Question 14

In the Linnaean system of classification, what is the fundamental unit?

Accepted Answer

Species

Answer

Phylum

Answer

Order

Answer

Genus

Question 15

Which of the following best defines biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

The variety of life on Earth, including the genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity

Answer

The total number of organisms on Earth

Answer

The distribution of organisms across the Earth

Answer

The number of endangered species on Earth

Question 16

Which term describes the process by which genetic material from two different sources is combined to form a new genetic makeup?

Accepted Answer

Recombination

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Selective breeding

Answer

Natural selection

Question 17

The theory of common descent proposes that:

Accepted Answer

All living organisms share a common ancestor

Answer

Species have always existed in their current form

Answer

Evolution occurs in a random and unpredictable manner

Answer

The environment has no influence on the evolution of species

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Cultural diversity

Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Ecosystem diversity

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a key mechanism driving evolution according to Charles Darwin's theory?

Accepted Answer

Use and disuse of organs

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 20

The process by which new species emerge from existing ones is termed:

Accepted Answer

Speciation

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Coevolution

Answer

Divergence

Question 21

The process by which organisms become better suited to their environment over time is known as:

Accepted Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Variation

Question 22

The field of biology that examines how organisms are distributed across the planet is:

Accepted Answer

Biogeography

Answer

Ecology

Answer

Zoogeography

Answer

Conservation biology

Question 23

The term that describes a species mimicking the appearance or behavior of another species to gain an advantage is:

Accepted Answer

Batesian mimicry

Answer

Müllerian mimicry

Answer

Camouflage

Answer

Aposematism

Question 24

Which of the following statements most accurately defines evolution?

Accepted Answer

The gradual change in the genetic composition of a population over generations

Answer

The development of entirely new species from existing ones

Answer

The process by which organisms become better adapted to their environment

Answer

The emergence of new traits that are advantageous to the survival of an individual

Question 25

According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, individuals with traits that are advantageous in their environment are more likely to:

Accepted Answer

Survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring

Answer

Become stronger and larger than their peers

Answer

Produce more offspring than those without the advantageous traits

Answer

Develop intelligence that allows them to adapt to changing conditions

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of a homologous structure, shared due to a common ancestor?

Accepted Answer

The wings of a bird and the forelimbs of a cat

Answer

The gills of a fish and the lungs of a frog

Answer

The eyes of a human and the eyes of a dog

Answer

The skin of a reptile and the skin of a fish

Question 27

The primary source of genetic variation within a population is:

Accepted Answer

Mutation, the random change in genetic material

Answer

Recombination, the shuffling of genes during sexual reproduction

Answer

Natural selection, the process that favors individuals with advantageous traits

Answer

Genetic drift, the random fluctuation of gene frequencies

Question 28

The process by which new species can arise through geographic isolation is known as:

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation, where populations become separated and evolve independently

Answer

Sympatric speciation, where new species arise within the same geographic area

Answer

Adaptive radiation, where a group of species diversifies into different ecological niches

Answer

Convergent evolution, where unrelated species evolve similar traits in response to similar environments

Question 29

Which taxonomic rank represents the broadest level of classification?

Accepted Answer

Domain

Answer

Species

Answer

Kingdom

Answer

Family

Question 30

Which of the following is an example of a homologous structure?

Accepted Answer

The forelimbs of humans and bats

Answer

The wings of birds and insects

Answer

The eyes of humans and squid

Answer

The gills of fish and the lungs of humans

Question 31

What is the role of genetic variation in natural selection?

Accepted Answer

It provides the raw material for selection to act on.

Answer

It ensures that individuals are all identical.

Answer

It prevents the population from evolving.

Answer

It is not involved in natural selection.

Question 32

In a small population, a new allele arises that disrupts the function of an essential protein. What is the most likely evolutionary fate of this allele?

Accepted Answer

The allele will disappear from the population through genetic drift.

Answer

The allele will become common in the population through positive selection.

Answer

The allele will remain in the population at a constant frequency.

Question 33

Speciation is the process of forming new species. Which of the following is NOT a factor that can contribute to speciation?

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters

Answer

Competition for resources

Answer

Predation

Answer

Sexual selection

Question 34

How does natural selection drive adaptation in a population over time? Use the peppered moth as an example to illustrate your explanation.

Accepted Answer

Natural selection favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a specific environment. Over generations, this leads to more individuals with these traits, resulting in adaptation.

Answer

Adaptation is a random process that is not influenced by environmental factors.

Answer

Natural selection has no long-term impact on a population's genetic makeup.

Answer

Adaptation only occurs in certain species and not in others.

Question 35

How does natural selection drive the evolution of species?

Accepted Answer

It favors traits that enhance an organism's survival and reproduction in its environment.

Answer

It creates new genetic variations within a population.

Answer

It ensures equal survival and reproductive opportunities for all individuals in a population.

Answer

It prevents the spread of harmful traits within a population.

Question 36

What is the best definition of a species?

Accepted Answer

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce viable offspring

Answer

A group of organisms that live in the same habitat

Answer

A group of organisms that share similar physical characteristics

Question 37

Which of the following is the most inclusive level of biological classification?

Accepted Answer

Domain

Answer

Kingdom

Answer

Class

Answer

Phylum

Question 38

What is a potential benefit of increased genetic diversity within a population?

Accepted Answer

Increased resistance to environmental change

Answer

Reduced reproductive success

Answer

Increased susceptibility to predation

Answer

Decreased chances of survival

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism responsible for driving evolution?

Accepted Answer

Deism

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Natural selection

Question 40

According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with advantageous traits have a higher probability of surviving and reproducing.

Answer

All individuals within a population have an equal chance of survival and reproduction, regardless of their traits.

Answer

Only the largest and strongest individuals survive and reproduce.

Question 41

Which of the following factors poses a significant threat to the preservation of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss

Answer

Abundance of renewable resources

Answer

Increased rainfall patterns

Answer

Advancements in technology

Question 42

Which of the following strategies is effective in conserving biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Establishing protected areas

Answer

Introducing invasive species

Answer

Overhunting

Answer

Using excessive pesticides

Question 43

Which of the following characteristics is distinctive of homologous structures?

Accepted Answer

Shared evolutionary ancestry

Answer

Identical physical appearance

Answer

Distinct functions

Answer

Absence in closely related species

Question 44

Which of the following is a prime example of an adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Camouflage

Answer

Artificial insemination

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Natural disaster

Question 45

Which process is responsible for the formation of new species?

Accepted Answer

Speciation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Hybridization

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 46

Which of the following attributes is a key component of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

High levels of pollution

Answer

Limited habitat availability

Answer

Low species richness