Evolutionary Theory: Master the Principles of Evolution

Question 1

Which prominent scientist is recognized for establishing the foundation of evolutionary theory through his extensive research and publication of 'On the Origin of Species'?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Answer

Thomas Malthus

Question 2

The term 'genetic drift' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The random fluctuation of allele frequencies in small populations

Answer

The gradual change in allele frequencies over many generations

Answer

The process by which new alleles are created

Answer

The selection of individuals with favorable traits

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation that natural selection can act upon?

Accepted Answer

External factors such as diet or exercise

Answer

Mutations in DNA

Answer

Genetic drift in small populations

Answer

Recombination during meiosis

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can contribute to genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Small population size

Answer

Founder effect

Answer

Migration

Question 5

Which of the following is a type of natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes?

Accepted Answer

Disruptive selection

Answer

Directional selection

Answer

Stabilizing selection

Answer

Balancing selection

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Migration

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 7

In contemporary evolutionary theory, which of these is NOT recognized as a primary mechanism driving evolutionary change?

Accepted Answer

Use and disuse

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Speciation

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental mechanism of evolutionary change?

Accepted Answer

Symbiosis

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 9

According to Darwin's principle of natural selection, which individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce in a given environment?

Accepted Answer

Those with traits better suited to that environment

Answer

Those with traits less suited to that environment

Answer

Those that are physically stronger

Answer

Those that are more intelligent

Question 10

Speciation can be defined as:

Accepted Answer

The formation of new and distinct species

Answer

The increase in genetic variation within a population

Answer

The process by which populations become more similar

Answer

The cumulative changes that occur over time in a lineage

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The forelimbs of humans and bats

Answer

The eyes of humans and squid

Answer

The digestive systems of humans and cows

Answer

The wings of insects and birds

Question 12

The Hardy-Weinberg principle describes the:

Accepted Answer

Conditions under which allele frequencies remain stable in a population

Answer

Process by which allele frequencies change over time

Answer

Relationship between genotype and phenotype

Answer

Impact of mutation on genetic variation

Question 13

According to evolutionary theory, which individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce successfully in a given environment?

Accepted Answer

Those with traits that are better adapted to their environment

Answer

Those with the most dominant traits

Answer

Those with the largest body size

Answer

Those with the most colourful plumage

Question 14

Which of the following is a key factor that can contribute to genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Small population size

Answer

Non-random mating

Answer

High mutation rate

Answer

Large population size

Question 15

What is the term for the process by which a population of organisms evolves into two or more distinct species?

Accepted Answer

Speciation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Adaptation

Question 16

In the context of evolutionary theory, what is the significance of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

It allows for adaptation to changing environments

Answer

It reduces the risk of genetic disorders

Answer

It increases the chances of survival

Answer

It plays no significant role

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Environmental change

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 19

What is the primary source of genetic variation on which natural selection acts?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Environmental variation

Question 20

Genetic drift is most likely to have a significant impact on the genetic makeup of:

Accepted Answer

Small populations with low genetic diversity

Answer

Large populations with high genetic diversity

Answer

Populations with a high mutation rate

Answer

Populations with a high gene flow rate

Question 21

What is the process by which new species arise, leading to increased biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Speciation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 22

In evolutionary theory, fitness refers to an individual's:

Accepted Answer

Ability to survive and reproduce in its environment

Answer

Total number of offspring produced

Answer

Physical size and strength

Answer

Level of intelligence

Question 23

In natural selection, what is the primary function of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

It supplies the raw materials for selection pressures to work on.

Answer

It enables a population to adapt quickly to a changing environment.

Answer

It ensures that each individual in a population is distinct.

Answer

It is the only factor that drives evolutionary change.

Question 24

Which limitation of evolutionary theory is valid?

Accepted Answer

It does not explain the origin of life

Answer

It cannot be tested experimentally

Answer

It is not supported by mathematical models

Answer

It is only applicable to certain organisms

Question 25

Which of the following is a factor that can prevent speciation?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Geographic isolation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Artificial selection

Question 26

How does speciation contribute to the development of new adaptations?

Accepted Answer

Speciation isolates populations, allowing distinct genetic variations to accumulate, leading to adaptations suited to specific environments.

Answer

Speciation reduces genetic diversity, limiting the potential for new adaptations.

Answer

Speciation is a result, not a cause, of new adaptations.

Answer

Speciation has no effect on the evolution of new adaptations.

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a valid scientific evidence supporting the theory of common descent?

Accepted Answer

Religious texts or creation stories

Answer

Homologous structures

Answer

Molecular similarities

Answer

Embryological development

Question 28

In evolutionary theory, what is the primary function of genetic recombination?

Accepted Answer

Generate new allele combinations

Answer

Increase the frequency of beneficial alleles

Answer

Introduce completely new alleles

Answer

Reduce the prevalence of harmful alleles

Question 29

How has molecular biology transformed our understanding of evolutionary processes?

Accepted Answer

It has enabled the identification of gene duplication and its role in generating new adaptations.

Accepted Answer

It has allowed us to determine the genetic basis of heritable traits.

Accepted Answer

It has facilitated the use of molecular clocks to trace evolutionary history.

Accepted Answer

It has highlighted the importance of non-coding DNA in gene regulation.

Question 30

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the founder effect, a type of genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

A small group of individuals becomes isolated from the main population, leading to genetic differences

Answer

A population undergoes a significant environmental change, resulting in a shift in gene frequencies

Answer

Random mating occurs within a population over several generations, maintaining a stable gene pool

Question 31

Which of the following is not a mechanism of evolution that is broadly accepted by the scientific community?

Accepted Answer

Lamarckism

Answer

Speciation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 32

The Galapagos finches provide an example of:

Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation

Answer

Punctuated equilibrium

Answer

Stabilizing selection

Answer

Convergent evolution

Question 33

What is the ultimate source of new genetic variation in a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Recombination

Question 34

Which of the following is an example of a post-zygotic isolating mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid inviability

Answer

Pre-zygotic isolation

Answer

Gametic isolation

Answer

Ecological isolation

Question 35

What is the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to their offspring?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Speciation

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 36

What is the name of the theory that states that macroevolution occurs through a series of small, gradual changes over time?

Accepted Answer

Gradualism

Answer

Saltationism

Answer

Neo-Darwinism

Answer

Punctuated equilibrium

Question 37

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Wings of birds and bats

Answer

Vestigial structures

Answer

Analogous structures in different species

Answer

Homologous structures in different species

Question 38

What is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

A state of genetic balance in a population where allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of disturbing factors

Answer

A method of calculating genetic variation

Answer

A condition that leads to speciation

Answer

A theory of natural selection