Inheritance, Variation and Evolution Quizzes | Science Year 9

Question 1

Which of these is NOT a scientifically accepted way that evolution happens?

Accepted Answer

Lamarckism

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of variation that can occur within a population?

Accepted Answer

Acquired variation

Answer

Genetic variation

Answer

Phenotypic variation

Answer

Continuous variation

Question 3

Which statement accurately describes the theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection acts on individuals, while evolution occurs within populations

Answer

Natural selection is only effective in stable environments

Answer

Natural selection is the only factor responsible for new species

Answer

Natural selection always leads to organisms perfectly adapting to their environment

Question 4

Which of these is NOT a natural mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 5

Which of the following is **not** a source of genetic variation within a species?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to sunlight

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Question 6

In the theory of evolution by natural selection, what is the primary factor driving the evolution of species?

Accepted Answer

Selection of individuals with traits that aid survival and reproduction

Answer

Mutations that introduce new traits

Answer

Mating of individuals with similar traits

Answer

Accumulation of beneficial traits over generations

Question 7

Genetic variation refers to differences in the genetic makeup of individuals. Which of the following is NOT a type of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Question 8

What is the primary mechanism driving evolution?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 9

Which of the following is not a process involved in natural evolution?

Accepted Answer

Selective breeding

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a natural factor that contributes to genetic variation within a population?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Question 11

Which of the following processes does NOT directly contribute to the creation of new genetic variations in a population of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Sexual reproduction

Answer

Gene flow

Question 12

Which of the following is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse daughter cells.

Answer

Mitosis occurs in sex cells, while meiosis occurs in body cells.

Answer

Mitosis is a continuous process, while meiosis is discontinuous.

Answer

Mitosis involves crossing over and genetic recombination, while meiosis does not.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a type of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Directional selection

Answer

Stabilizing selection

Answer

Disruptive selection

Question 14

Which process leads to the gradual formation of new species over time?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Selective breeding

Answer

Cloning

Question 15

Which of these is NOT a process that creates genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Recombination

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a process that can introduce new alleles into a population, increasing genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutations

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Question 17

Which process does NOT increase genetic variation within a population?

Accepted Answer

Clonal reproduction

Answer

Crossing over during meiosis

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Natural selection

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can lead to genetic variation within a population?

Accepted Answer

Clonal reproduction (making identical copies)

Answer

Mutations during DNA replication

Answer

Random fertilization during sexual reproduction

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a nitrogenous base found in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Uracil

Answer

Adenine

Answer

Guanine

Answer

Cytosine

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a component of a DNA nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid

Answer

Nitrogenous base

Answer

Deoxyribose sugar

Answer

Phosphate group

Question 21

Which of these processes does NOT lead to genetic variation in natural populations?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Mutations

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a type of genetic variation that can occur in organisms?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic modification

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Recombination

Answer

Gene duplication

Question 23

What is the main goal of gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Changing the genetic makeup of organisms to add or modify specific traits

Answer

Finding and isolating specific genes linked to genetic disorders

Answer

Examining the evolutionary history and connections between different species

Question 24

How is genetic information passed down from one generation to the next?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Recombination

Answer

Gene expression

Question 25

Which type of variation is NOT a characteristic of a population of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal variation

Answer

Phenotypic variation

Answer

Continuous variation

Answer

Genotypic variation

Question 26

Which of the following is **not** a source of genetic variation in a population?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutations

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Question 27

Gregor Mendel is known as the father of modern genetics. What was the main focus of his experiments that led to the establishment of the fundamental principles of inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Mendel's experiments established the principles of particulate inheritance, demonstrating that traits are determined by discrete units called genes.

Answer

Mendel's experiments focused on the transmission of acquired characteristics from parents to offspring.

Answer

Mendel's experiments demonstrated the role of DNA in determining inherited traits.

Answer

Mendel's experiments provided evidence for blending inheritance, where offspring inherit a blend of traits from both parents.

Question 28

Which of the following demonstrates natural selection, where individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction pass on those traits to their offspring?

Accepted Answer

Birds with larger wingspans have a better chance of catching prey.

Answer

All individuals in a population share identical characteristics.

Answer

A rabbit population experiences a decline in birth rate during a food shortage.

Answer

The genetic makeup of a population remains constant over time.

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 30

Which of these is NOT a source of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Question 31

When mapping a gene, why is it crucial to consider the recombination frequency between the gene and the genetic marker?

Accepted Answer

Recombination frequency determines the distance between the gene and the genetic marker.

Answer

Recombination frequency is irrelevant to gene mapping.

Answer

Recombination frequency predicts a gene's inheritance pattern.

Answer

Recombination frequency helps detect gene mutations.

Question 32

Which of the following statements correctly describes the structure and function of autosomes and sex chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Autosomes are homologous and carry the same genes, while sex chromosomes are heterologous and carry different genes.

Answer

Autosomes determine sex, while sex chromosomes determine other traits.

Answer

Sex chromosomes are found in all cells, while autosomes are only in reproductive cells.

Question 33

During meiosis, which process leads to the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, creating new and unique combinations of alleles?

Accepted Answer

Homologous recombination

Answer

Gene mutation

Answer

Fertilization

Answer

Independent assortment

Question 34

According to the theory of punctuated equilibrium, evolution occurs through:

Accepted Answer

Rapid bursts of change followed by periods of stability

Answer

Gradual and continuous changes

Answer

Only in response to major environmental changes

Answer

In a completely random and unpredictable pattern

Question 35

Question: Identify the different types of natural selection and explain how each contributes to the evolution of populations.

Accepted Answer

Directional selection: Favors individuals with extreme traits at one end of the range.

Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection: Favors individuals with average traits.

Accepted Answer

Disruptive selection: Favors individuals with both extreme traits.

Answer

Natural selection always results in an increase in the population's average fitness.

Question 36

How can we balance the ethical implications of genetic engineering with its potential benefits to ensure its responsible use?

Accepted Answer

Ethical implications of genetic engineering should be considered alongside societal benefits to ensure its responsible use.

Answer

Genetic engineering should be banned due to its potential risks.

Answer

Genetic engineering only has positive implications, so ethical concerns are unnecessary.

Question 37

Punctuated equilibrium suggests evolution occurs in bursts of rapid change followed by periods of stability. Which of the following does NOT support this theory?

Accepted Answer

Some species remain unchanged over millions of years.

Answer

The fossil record shows long periods of little change followed by short periods of rapid change.

Answer

DNA sequences can undergo rapid changes over short periods.

Answer

Species distribution can change rapidly in response to environmental changes.

Question 38

What is the term used to describe the different forms of a gene that can exist in a population?

Accepted Answer

Allele

Answer

Phenotype

Answer

Haplotype

Answer

Genotype

Question 39

In a monohybrid cross between two heterozygous parents (Aa), what proportion of the offspring are expected to be homozygous dominant (AA)?

Accepted Answer

25%

Answer

0%

Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Question 40

According to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, which individuals in a population have the highest chance of survival and reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Those best adapted to their environment

Answer

The strongest

Answer

The most intelligent

Answer

Those with the most offspring

Question 41

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

The breeding of dogs for specific traits

Answer

The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria

Answer

The extinction of dinosaurs

Answer

The survival of the fittest in a natural population

Question 42

What is the term for a gradual change in the genetic makeup of a population over time?

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Variation

Question 43

What is the term for a group of organisms that can successfully interbreed and produce fertile offspring?

Accepted Answer

Species

Answer

Population

Answer

Genus

Answer

Family

Question 44

What is the primary function of DNA?

Accepted Answer

To store genetic information

Answer

To produce proteins

Answer

To regulate cell metabolism

Answer

To provide energy to the cell

Question 45

Which of these is the fundamental unit of inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Gene

Answer

Chromosome

Answer

Cell

Answer

Protein

Question 46

The passing of genetic material from one generation to the next is known as:

Accepted Answer

Inheritance

Answer

Variation

Answer

Evolution

Answer

Reproduction

Question 47

Who is referred to as the 'Father of Genetics'?

Accepted Answer

Gregor Mendel

Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

James Watson

Answer

Francis Crick

Question 48

The variations of a gene are called:

Accepted Answer

Alleles

Answer

Phenotypes

Answer

Genotypes

Answer

Mutations

Question 49

The process where organisms with beneficial traits have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing is known as:

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 50

An example of convergent evolution is:

Accepted Answer

Bats and birds having wings

Answer

Humans and apes sharing DNA

Answer

Different species of Galapagos finches having different beak shapes

Answer

Peppered moths changing colour to match their environment

Question 51

Which isolating mechanism prevents populations from reproducing due to different breeding times?

Accepted Answer

Temporal isolation

Answer

Ecological isolation

Answer

Behavioral isolation

Answer

Mechanical isolation

Question 52

How does genetic drift impact a population's ability to adapt?

Accepted Answer

Reduces genetic variation

Answer

Increases the number of alleles

Answer

Increases the population size

Question 53

How does epigenetics influence phenotypic variation and evolution?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic modifications can affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Answer

Epigenetics involves permanent changes in the DNA sequence, leading to phenotypic variation.

Answer

Epigenetics has no role in phenotypic variation or evolution.

Answer

All epigenetic modifications are inherited and passed on to offspring.

Question 54

Genetic technologies like DNA fingerprinting and genetic testing have a wide impact on society. What is a major ethical concern raised by these technologies?

Accepted Answer

Concerns about privacy and genetic discrimination

Answer

Unexpected medical results from genetic testing

Answer

The high cost of genetic technologies

Answer

The use of genetic information in criminal investigations

Question 55

Why have male peacocks evolved elaborate tail feathers?

Accepted Answer

To attract female mates

Answer

To camouflage themselves from predators

Answer

To compete with other males for territory

Answer

Due to random mutations that have no effect on survival

Question 56

Which prediction is made by the theory of punctuated equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

The fossil record shows long periods of little change, followed by brief periods of rapid change.

Answer

Evolution occurs at a constant rate.

Answer

New species evolve gradually over many generations.

Answer

Allopatric speciation is the main way new species form.

Question 57

What's the difference between genotype and phenotype? How do these concepts help us understand how genetic traits are expressed in organisms?

Accepted Answer

Genotype is the genetic makeup inherited from parents, while phenotype includes the observable physical and biochemical characteristics of an organism.

Answer

Phenotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, while genotype represents the observable physical characteristics.

Answer

Genotype and phenotype are both affected by environmental factors. However, only genotype is passed on to offspring.

Answer

Genotype and phenotype are unrelated concepts with no influence on each other.

Question 58

In the context of natural selection, what is meant by the term 'survival of the fittest'?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to their offspring.

Answer

Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals in a population will survive.

Answer

Natural selection only occurs in competitive and harsh environments.

Answer

The survival of a species is solely dependent on the traits of its strongest individuals.

Question 59

Identify the fundamental unit responsible for carrying and transmitting genetic information.

Accepted Answer

Gene

Answer

Chromosome

Answer

Nucleotide

Answer

Protein

Question 60

Which process is responsible for introducing new genetic variations into a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Recombination

Question 61

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the rate of evolution in a population?

Accepted Answer

Climate stability

Answer

Mutation rate

Answer

Population size

Answer

Gene flow

Question 62

Provide an example of a continuous variation found in humans.

Accepted Answer

Height

Answer

Eye color

Answer

Blood type

Answer

Number of fingers

Question 63

Define the process by which individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction become more prevalent in a population.

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 64

Identify the option that does NOT represent valid scientific evidence supporting the theory of evolution.

Accepted Answer

Religious beliefs

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Molecular biology