Evolution and Biodiversity Quiz

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According to the passage, how many species of beetles are estimated to exist on Earth?

Millions

Thousands

Over 17,000

Over 300,000 (correct)

What was the initial plan of Peter and Rosemary Grant when they started their research on Daphne Major?

They had no long-term plan and thought it would last a few years (correct)

To make observations and conduct experiments that would surprise Charles Darwin

To seek insights into how new species form

To study the Galapagos finches for 40 years

What is the primary focus of the research being conducted by Peter and Rosemary Grant?

Studying the diversity of species on Daphne Major

Studying the landscape of the Galapagos Islands

Seeking answers to how new species arise (correct)

Making observations that would surprise Charles Darwin

Which of the following statements is NOT true about the Galapagos Islands?

They were the primary location of Charles Darwin's research Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the observations made by Peter and Rosemary Grant?

They are some of the most remarkable observations in the history of field research Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, how long have Peter and Rosemary Grant been studying the Galapagos finches on Daphne Major?

40 years Signup and view all the answers

What made the medium ground finches with smaller beaks have the most trouble during a drought?

The scarcity of large and hard seeds they couldn't crack open. Signup and view all the answers

According to Sean B. Carroll, what trait made the greatest difference between life and death for medium ground finches during the drought?

Depth of their beaks. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the strong El Nino in 1983 have on the finches' beak sizes?

Increased the average beak size. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Grants measure regarding evolution in finches on two separate occasions?

Evolution of beak size. Signup and view all the answers

How do populations split into distinct species according to the text?

By undergoing geographical separation and habitat changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical scenario for how one species of finch can split into two according to the text?

By experiencing changes in habitat and geographical separation. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Grants observe about finches' songs and mating behaviors?

Males only respond to songs of their own species. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Grants test if finches also choose mates based on appearance?

They put out stuffed female specimens to see if males would respond. Signup and view all the answers

'We were very conscious that, on any given island, the different species sang very different songs.' Why was this observation significant according to Rosemary Grant?

Songs play a role in keeping species apart Signup and view all the answers

What did the Grants' research demonstrate about the role of mating traits in the evolution of new finch species?

Changes in song and appearance can lead to the formation of new species when populations are isolated and come into contact again. Signup and view all the answers

What was the most likely scenario for the origin of the Galapagos finches?

A single finch population arrived from the mainland two million years ago and their descendants reached other islands, where they adapted to new conditions and evolved into distinct species. Signup and view all the answers

What role did geography and ecology play in the evolution of the Galapagos finches according to the Grants?

The more diverse the environment, the more opportunities for evolutionary change to produce new finch species. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial observation that brought the finches to the attention of scientists?

Charles Darwin's voyage to the Galapagos Islands Signup and view all the answers

How did the Galapagos Islands initially form?

They arose from volcanic activity in the ocean Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the diverse beak shapes and sizes among the finches?

Adaptations to different food sources in various habitats Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that all the Galapagos finches descended from a single ancestral species?

DNA evidence showing their close genetic relationship Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary advantage of studying the finches on Daphne Major island?

The small size of the island, allowing comprehensive observation Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the Grants' long-term study on Daphne Major?

Observing the effects of environmental changes on the finches Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant event that occurred in 1977 during the Grants' study?

The arrival of a severe drought lasting 18 months Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary consequence of the drought for the medium ground finches?

They were forced to compete for scarce food resources Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary factor that enabled the Grants to track individual finches throughout their lifetimes?

The practice of banding and identifying each finch Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, which of the following statements is true?

The finches' adaptations occurred in response to environmental changes Signup and view all the answers