Evolution and Biodiversity: Interactive Quizzes for Sixth Form College Biology

Question 1

What is genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Differences in genetic makeup among individuals in a population

Answer

Passing on of genetic material from one generation to the next

Answer

Total number of genes in an organism's genome

Answer

Rate of mutation within a particular gene

Question 2

According to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, which mechanism is essential for driving changes in a population over time?

Accepted Answer

Differential survival and reproduction

Answer

Random mating

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 3

Which evolutionary mechanism involves random changes in gene frequencies that can significantly alter a population's genetic makeup?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Lamarckism

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

The environment changes over time.

Answer

Variation exists within a population.

Answer

Individuals with advantageous traits have a better chance of survival and reproduction.

Answer

Favorable traits can be inherited by offspring.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Use and disuse of organs

Answer

Overproduction

Answer

Variation

Answer

Inheritance

Question 6

How does the environment contribute to the process of evolution through natural selection?

Accepted Answer

It provides the resources for natural selection to work on, leading to the selection of traits that improve survival and reproduction.

Answer

It keeps environmental conditions stable and unchanging for organisms.

Answer

It removes the impact of selective pressures on organisms' survival and reproduction.

Answer

It only affects closely related species and has no impact on unrelated species.

Question 7

Which fundamental principle underpins Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with beneficial traits have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.

Answer

Acquired traits can be passed down to offspring.

Answer

All individuals within a population share identical genetic makeup.

Answer

Evolution follows a predetermined and linear path.

Question 8

Which of these processes DOES NOT introduce new genetic variations into a population?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Sexual reproduction

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a natural mechanism of evolution in a population?

Accepted Answer

Selective breeding

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a recognized mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Lamarckism

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Assortative mating

Answer

Stabilizing Selection

Answer

Disruptive selection

Answer

Frequency-dependent selection

Question 12

Which of the following best describes natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A process that favors individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in their environment

Answer

A random process that favors the survival of weaker individuals

Answer

The sole mechanism responsible for evolution

Answer

A process that always results in the formation of new species

Question 13

According to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, which statement is true?

Accepted Answer

All living things share a common ancestor.

Answer

Only the strongest organisms survive and reproduce.

Answer

All species are perfectly suited to their environment.

Answer

Evolution occurs solely through human intervention.

Question 14

Which of the following processes is not a natural mechanism of evolutionary change?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 15

According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, which of the following is NOT a mechanism that drives evolution?

Accepted Answer

Extraterrestrial intervention

Answer

Overproduction

Answer

Variation

Answer

Inheritance

Question 16

Which concept is not supported by modern evolutionary theory?

Accepted Answer

Inheritance of acquired characteristics can be passed on to offspring.

Answer

Natural selection leads to the adaptation of populations to their environments.

Answer

Mutations introduce genetic variation within populations.

Answer

Genetic drift can cause random changes in allele frequencies in small populations.

Question 17

According to Darwin's theory of evolution, which mechanism is responsible for the formation of new species?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Question 18

Which of these is NOT a natural mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence that supports the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Vestigial structures

Question 20

According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, how did giraffes develop their long necks?

Accepted Answer

Giraffes with longer necks could reach higher vegetation during food shortages, giving them an advantage in survival and reproduction.

Answer

Giraffes with shorter necks were better adapted to reach low-growing vegetation, giving them an advantage.

Answer

All giraffes had long necks, and there was no selective pressure for either long or short necks.

Answer

Giraffes with longer necks were more likely to be chosen as mates, leading to the spread of this trait.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that drives evolutionary change through natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Inheritance of traits from parents to offspring

Answer

Overproduction of offspring

Answer

Variation among individuals within a population

Answer

Differential survival and reproduction based on inherited traits

Question 22

Darwin's theory of evolution is centered around the concept of natural selection. Which statement below best explains this concept?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with advantageous traits have a higher chance of surviving and passing on those traits to their offspring.

Answer

The environment remains stable, allowing all individuals in a population to flourish equally.

Answer

Evolution proceeds in a straight line, with organisms becoming more complex over time.

Answer

Natural selection acts on individual organisms, not on the population as a whole.

Question 23

In Darwin's theory of evolution, which of the following best describes how natural selection operates?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction pass on those traits to their offspring.

Answer

Individuals with the most offspring, regardless of their traits, are favored by natural selection.

Answer

Natural selection only occurs in stable environments where there is no variation or evolution.

Answer

Natural selection randomly favors certain traits without regard to their impact on survival or reproduction.

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a scientifically supported mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Lamarckism

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a primary mechanism driving evolutionary change?

Accepted Answer

Acquired characteristics

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 26

Which adaptation helps butterflies blend into their surroundings?

Accepted Answer

Wings with complex patterns

Answer

Wings with vibrant colors

Answer

Long, slender antennae

Question 27

Which of the following best describes the concept of the molecular clock?

Accepted Answer

A technique for estimating the time since two species diverged based on the accumulation of neutral mutations in DNA.

Answer

A method for determining the absolute age of fossils using radioactive decay.

Answer

A theory suggesting that all species evolve at a constant rate.

Answer

A way to measure the time required for a new species to evolve.

Question 28

Butterflies in arid deserts have adapted to survive in dry, sandy environments. Which adaptation provides them with a selective advantage?

Accepted Answer

Cryptic coloration resembling the sand

Answer

Brightly colored, iridescent wings

Question 29

In the context of natural selection, what is the definition of 'fitness'?

Accepted Answer

An organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment, passing on its genes.

Answer

The physical strength and size of an organism.

Answer

The number of offspring an organism produces.

Answer

The speed at which an organism can move.

Question 30

In a population, natural selection primarily acts on which of these factors?

Accepted Answer

Heritable traits

Answer

Acquired characteristics

Answer

Environmental factors

Answer

Learned behaviors

Question 31

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of Darwin's theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Individuals within a population show variation in traits.

Answer

All individuals in a population have an equal chance of survival and reproduction.

Answer

The environment has no influence on the traits of individuals in a population.

Answer

Only the strongest individuals in a population will survive and pass on their traits.

Question 32

In the context of evolution, which of the following best describes the relationship between species and genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Species with greater genetic variation within their populations have a higher chance of surviving environmental changes compared to species with lower genetic variation.

Answer

Genetic variation is only important for the survival of endangered species because it allows for greater reproductive success.

Answer

Natural selection removes genetic variation within species, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.

Answer

Species with high genetic variation are more likely to develop genetic disorders.

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Acquired characteristics

Answer

Differential survival and reproduction

Answer

Heritable variation

Question 34

During the Industrial Revolution, the peppered moth evolved from light to dark coloration. Which explanation best accounts for this change?

Accepted Answer

Darker moths were better camouflaged against soot-covered trees, increasing their survival chances.

Answer

Random genetic mutations caused the color change, unrelated to environmental factors.

Answer

Pollution directly triggered the color change as a physiological response.

Answer

Moths evolved lighter coloration to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption in the industrialized environment.

Question 35

In the context of natural selection, fitness refers to:

Accepted Answer

Ability to contribute more offspring to the next generation

Answer

Traits that enhance camouflage and predator evasion

Answer

Overall strength and physical prowess

Answer

Ability to form strong social bonds and alliances

Question 36

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of which evolutionary process?

Accepted Answer

3. Natural selection

Answer

1. Artificial selection

Answer

2. Convergent evolution

Answer

4. Genetic drift

Question 37

How do the **adaptations** of Darwin's finches support the theory of natural selection and the process of adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

The different beak shapes allow the finches to use different food sources, reducing competition and promoting specialization.

Answer

The finches' beaks evolved randomly, not due to natural selection.

Answer

The finches' beaks have not changed since Darwin's time, indicating that evolution has not occurred.

Question 38

How do human activities influence the pace and direction of evolution? Consider both beneficial and detrimental effects.

Accepted Answer

Human activities can have varying effects on evolution, both positive and negative, depending on the context and species.

Answer

Human activities generally accelerate evolution by increasing genetic variation within populations.

Answer

Human activities only hinder evolution by disrupting ecosystems and reducing genetic diversity.

Question 39

Which of the following is a potential limitation of using molecular data to infer evolutionary relationships among species?

Accepted Answer

Molecular data may not be available for all species.

Answer

Molecular data is not affected by convergent evolution.

Answer

Molecular data can be used to study genetic diversity within populations.

Answer

Molecular data can provide a more complete picture of evolutionary history than morphological data.

Question 40

Define coevolution and explain how species interactions can trigger mutual evolutionary changes.

Accepted Answer

Coevolution occurs when one species evolves in response to another species' adaptations, leading to reciprocal evolutionary changes.

Answer

Coevolution is the independent evolution of two species.

Answer

Coevolution is uncommon and only occurs between closely related species.

Question 41

Which of the following is not widely accepted as a mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Use and disuse inheritance

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 42

How does genetic variation contribute to evolution?

Accepted Answer

It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Answer

It guarantees that all individuals in a population are genetically identical.

Answer

It prevents the extinction of species.

Answer

It increases the likelihood of harmful mutations occurring.

Question 43

Which of the following is a characteristic of a vestigial structure?

Accepted Answer

It serves no apparent function.

Answer

It is identical in structure and function to homologous structures in other organisms.

Answer

It is essential for the organism's survival.

Answer

It is found only in extinct organisms.

Question 44

What is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution results in similar traits in unrelated organisms, while divergent evolution results in different traits in related organisms.

Answer

Convergent evolution results in different traits in unrelated organisms, while divergent evolution results in similar traits in related organisms.

Answer

Convergent evolution occurs only in animals, while divergent evolution occurs only in plants.

Answer

Convergent and divergent evolution are the same process.

Question 45

Which of the following is an example of a population bottleneck?

Accepted Answer

A small group of individuals survives a natural disaster.

Answer

A population gradually expands its range.

Answer

A group of individuals migrates to a new habitat.

Answer

A species becomes extinct.

Question 46

What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?

Accepted Answer

It provides the source of variation for selection to act upon.

Answer

It ensures that all individuals in a population are identical.

Answer

It prevents the accumulation of harmful mutations.

Answer

It is a result of environmental change.

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a selective pressure that can drive natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Arbitrary preferences of humans

Answer

Predation

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Competition for resources

Question 48

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Accepted Answer

Homologous structures share a common ancestor, while analogous structures do not.

Answer

Analogous structures share a common ancestor, while homologous structures do not.

Answer

Homologous structures have the same function, while analogous structures do not.

Answer

Analogous structures have the same function, while homologous structures do not.

Question 49

What is the relationship between biodiversity and the stability of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity increases the resilience of ecosystems to disturbances.

Answer

Biodiversity decreases the productivity of ecosystems.

Answer

Biodiversity has no effect on the stability of ecosystems.

Answer

Biodiversity is only important for the survival of endangered species.

Question 50

The formation of new, distinct species from existing ones is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Speciation

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Extinction

Answer

Biodiversity

Question 51

The renowned scientist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection is:

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

Alfred Russel Wallace

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Answer

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

Question 52

The study of the immense variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic variations, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

Answer

Taxonomy

Answer

Ecology

Answer

Genetics

Question 53

Sympatric speciation is characterized by the evolution of reproductive isolation:

Accepted Answer

Within a single, interconnected population

Answer

Within a geographically isolated population

Answer

Between two geographically distinct populations

Answer

Exclusively in plant species

Question 54

In the process of natural selection, individuals that possess traits providing an advantage in survival and reproduction are more likely to:

Accepted Answer

Reproduce successfully and pass on their advantageous traits

Answer

Be artificially selected

Answer

Experience genetic drift

Answer

Undergo mutations

Question 55

Which of the following is an example of a homologous structure in comparative anatomy?

Accepted Answer

The wings of a bird and the forelimbs of a dog

Answer

The skin of a human and the scales of a fish

Answer

The stomach of a cow and the lungs of a cat

Answer

The eyes of an octopus and the eyes of a human

Question 56

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon. Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Mutations

Answer

Meiosis

Answer

Gene flow

Question 57

Environmental change can be a powerful driver of evolution. Which of the following is NOT an example of an environmental change that can impact the evolution of a species?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Disease outbreaks

Answer

Habitat destruction

Question 58

Fitness is a central concept in evolutionary theory. What does fitness refer to?

Accepted Answer

The degree to which an individual's traits promote survival and reproduction in a particular environment

Answer

The number of offspring an individual produces

Answer

The overall health and strength of an individual

Answer

The ability of an individual to adapt to environmental change

Question 59

Which type of evidence is used to compare the anatomical similarities between different species?

Accepted Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Molecular biology

Answer

Biogeography

Question 60

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental cues. What is the advantage of phenotypic plasticity?

Accepted Answer

Allows individuals to adapt to environmental changes without genetic change

Answer

Provides raw material for natural selection

Answer

Limits the rate of evolution

Answer

Promotes the survival of individuals with advantageous traits

Question 61

Homologous structures are structures that share a common evolutionary origin. Which of the following is NOT an example of a homologous structure?

Accepted Answer

The legs of a spider and the antennae of an insect

Answer

The wings of a bird and the arms of a human

Answer

The flippers of a dolphin and the wings of a bat

Answer

The eyes of a human and the eyes of a squid

Question 62

How do vestigial structures support the theory of common descent and provide evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Vestigial structures are homologous structures found in different species that have lost their original function over time, suggesting shared ancestry.

Answer

Vestigial structures are unique to each species, suggesting that they evolved independently.

Answer

Vestigial structures are only found in extinct species, so they do not provide evidence for evolution in living organisms.

Answer

Vestigial structures are always harmful to the organism, indicating that evolution is a process of degeneration.

Question 63

What is the primary source of genetic variation within a population that provides the raw material for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction and genetic recombination

Answer

Asexual reproduction and cloning

Answer

Environmental influences on gene expression

Answer

Gene editing and genetic engineering

Question 64

What is the significance of homologous structures in understanding evolutionary relationships between species?

Accepted Answer

They indicate a common ancestor shared by the species

Answer

They suggest convergent evolution has occurred

Answer

They provide evidence of the function of a structure

Answer

They are only found in closely related species