Biology Chapter on Evolution and Genetics

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Questions and Answers

Which process is most likely to increase genetic diversity in a population?

Genetic drift

Non-random mating

Natural selection

Mutation (correct)

What is the main difference between artificial and natural selection?

Artificial selection only involves plants, while natural selection only involves animals.

There is no difference; they are the same process.

Artificial selection is guided by humans, whereas natural selection occurs without human intervention. (correct)

Natural selection is faster than artificial selection.

What is a vestigial structure?

A structure found only in fossil species

A structure that has lost its original function over time (correct)

A new structure that evolves to help an organism adapt

A highly functional organ in an organism

Which of the following is an example of directional selection?

The increase in beak size in a population of birds during a period of drought. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between meiosis and mitosis?

Meiosis results in the formation of four non-identical cells, while mitosis results in two identical cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes an organism's genetic makeup?

Genotype Signup and view all the answers

What is genetic drift?

A random change in allele frequencies due to chance events, especially in small populations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a keystone species?

A species that has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. Signup and view all the answers

What does a survivorship curve depict?

The percentage of a population that survives at different ages. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of r-selected species?

High reproduction rate and short lifespan Signup and view all the answers

What is sympatric speciation?

Speciation that occurs without geographic isolation, often due to reproductive barriers. Signup and view all the answers

In a cladogram, what does a node represent?

The common ancestor of the organisms depicted. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between proximate and ultimate causes of behavior?

Proximate causes refer to the immediate triggers of behavior, while ultimate causes refer to the evolutionary reasons for behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of learned behavior?

A dog learning to sit on command. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations is necessary for plants to survive on land?

A waxy cuticle to prevent water loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is primary growth in plants?

Growth that occurs in the roots and stems through the elongation of cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

It absorbs sunlight and uses it to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evolution and Mechanisms of Evolution

Genetic diversity increase: Mutation is most likely to increase genetic diversity in a population.
Artificial vs. Natural Selection: Artificial selection is guided by humans, while natural selection occurs without human intervention.
Vestigial structure: A structure that has lost its original function over time.
Directional selection: An increase in beak size in a bird population during drought is an example.

Genetics and Population Evolution

Meiosis vs. Mitosis: Meiosis produces four non-identical daughter cells, mitosis results in two identical cells.
Genotype: An organism's genetic makeup.
Genetic drift: A random change in allele frequencies due to chance events, especially in small populations.

Ecology

Keystone species: A species that has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.
Survivorship curve: Depicts the percentage of a population that survives at different ages.
R-selected species: Characterized by high reproduction rates and short lifespans.

Speciation and Phylogeny

Sympatric speciation: Speciation that occurs without geographic isolation, often due to reproductive barriers.
Cladogram node: Represents the common ancestor of the organisms depicted.

Behavioral Ecology

Proximate vs. Ultimate causes: Proximate causes are immediate triggers of behavior; ultimate causes refer to evolutionary reasons.
Learned behavior: An example is a dog learning to sit on command.

Plant Biology and Photosynthesis

Plant adaptations to land: A waxy cuticle to prevent water loss.
Primary growth: Growth through cell elongation in roots and stems.
Chlorophyll's role in photosynthesis: Absorbs sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

True or False

Sexual selection: True; it increases mating success.
Fungi and autotrophy: False; Fungi are heterotrophic.
Allopatric speciation: True; it results from physical barriers.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in evolution, genetics, and ecology. Topics include genetic diversity, natural and artificial selection, and the mechanisms of evolution. Test your understanding of essential biological principles and their applications in populations and ecosystems.