0

Evolution and Natural Selection

Description: This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of evolution and natural selection, including the mechanisms that drive evolutionary change and the evidence supporting the theory of evolution.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: evolution natural selection adaptation variation genetics
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to offspring?

  1. Natural Selection

  2. Artificial Selection

  3. Selective Breeding

  4. Genetic Engineering


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Natural selection is the driving force behind evolution, favoring individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in a given environment.

What is the term for the variation in traits among individuals within a population?

  1. Genetic Variation

  2. Phenotypic Variation

  3. Environmental Variation

  4. Behavioral Variation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Genetic variation refers to the differences in genetic makeup among individuals, which can lead to phenotypic variation and adaptation.

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can lead to genetic variation?

  1. Mutation

  2. Recombination

  3. Gene Flow

  4. Natural Selection


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Natural selection is a process that acts on genetic variation, but it is not a mechanism that generates genetic variation.

What is the term for the process by which populations of organisms become better adapted to their environment over time?

  1. Adaptation

  2. Evolution

  3. Natural Selection

  4. Genetic Drift


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Adaptation refers to the process by which populations become better suited to their environment through natural selection.

Which of the following is NOT an example of an adaptation?

  1. Camouflage

  2. Mimicry

  3. Migration

  4. Hibernation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Migration is a behavior, not an adaptation. Adaptations are heritable traits that enhance survival and reproduction.

What is the term for the process by which populations of organisms diverge genetically and become distinct species?

  1. Speciation

  2. Natural Selection

  3. Genetic Drift

  4. Adaptation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Speciation is the process by which new species are formed through the accumulation of genetic differences between populations.

Which of the following is NOT a type of speciation?

  1. Allopatric Speciation

  2. Sympatric Speciation

  3. Parapatric Speciation

  4. Adaptive Radiation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Adaptive radiation is a process that leads to the diversification of a species into multiple new species, but it is not a type of speciation.

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

  1. Evolution

  2. Natural Selection

  3. Genetic Drift

  4. Adaptation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Evolution refers to the overall change in the genetic makeup of a population over time, driven by natural selection, genetic drift, and other factors.

Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence supporting the theory of evolution?

  1. Fossil Record

  2. Comparative Anatomy

  3. Molecular Biology

  4. Artificial Selection


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Artificial selection is a human-driven process, not a natural process, and therefore not a type of evidence supporting the theory of evolution.

What is the term for the study of the evolutionary history of organisms?

  1. Phylogenetics

  2. Systematics

  3. Taxonomy

  4. Paleontology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary relationships among different groups of organisms.

Which of the following is NOT a type of phylogenetic tree?

  1. Cladogram

  2. Phylogram

  3. Dendrogram

  4. Radial Tree


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Radial trees are not a type of phylogenetic tree. Cladograms, phylograms, and dendrograms are all types of phylogenetic trees.

What is the term for the common ancestor from which all living organisms are descended?

  1. Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA)

  2. Universal Common Ancestor (UCA)

  3. Root of the Tree of Life

  4. Mitochondrial Eve


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

LUCA is the term used to refer to the common ancestor from which all living organisms are descended.

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

  1. Directional Selection

  2. Stabilizing Selection

  3. Disruptive Selection

  4. Artificial Selection


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Artificial selection is a human-driven process, not a natural process, and therefore not a type of natural selection.

What is the term for the process by which organisms with certain traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to offspring?

  1. Natural Selection

  2. Artificial Selection

  3. Selective Breeding

  4. Genetic Engineering


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Natural selection is the driving force behind evolution, favoring individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in a given environment.

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can lead to genetic variation?

  1. Mutation

  2. Recombination

  3. Gene Flow

  4. Natural Selection


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Natural selection is a process that acts on genetic variation, but it is not a mechanism that generates genetic variation.

- Hide questions