Evolution by Natural Selection Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What fundamental idea did Darwin and Wallace challenge with their theory of evolution by natural selection?

That humans have always been the dominant species with no evolutionary ancestors.

That evolution is a gradual process without any external influences.

That all species were formed simultaneously during the creation of Earth.

That species were created independently and remain unchanged. (correct)

Why is Darwin and Wallace's theory of evolution by natural selection seen as revolutionary?

It unified various scientific fields like geology and biology into one narrative.

It proposed an evidence-based framework for understanding species change over time. (correct)

It suggested that natural phenomena could occur without divine intervention.

It established a clear method for categorizing all life forms on Earth.

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the implications of the theory of evolution by natural selection?

It indicates the existence of a fixed set of characteristics in all species.

It implies that all life forms had identical origins and diverged simultaneously.

It suggests that the adaptation of species occurs randomly and not through a process.

It posits that species adapt and evolve based on their environments over time. (correct)

What was a significant effect of Darwin and Wallace's theory on the scientific community?

It prompted debates regarding the role of chance and adaptation in species development. Signup and view all the answers

How did the theory of evolution by natural selection reshape the understanding of human origins?

It suggested that humans evolved similarly to other species through natural processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely effect of introducing the Tamiflu resistance gene into a virus in an environment lacking Tamiflu?

The Tamiflu resistance gene will decrease in frequency because it is no longer advantageous. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the biological species concept?

Biological species are defined by reproductive isolation. Signup and view all the answers

When a small number of birds from a neighboring island arrive at a new island, what is the most likely outcome for the resident population's adaptation?

Tend to slow adaptation by introducing competing traits. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines species boundaries in the biological species concept?

Reproductive isolation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would decrease genetic variation in a population?

Inbreeding among a small population Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a vicariance event on species distribution?

It causes a physical barrier that divides a population. Signup and view all the answers

What causes genetic drift in a population?

Only certain alleles are passed to the next generation due to small population size or random chance Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of high genetic drift within a small population?

Potential loss of beneficial alleles. Signup and view all the answers

Which Hardy-Weinberg condition is most likely to be adhered to in a small fish population?

No gene flow Signup and view all the answers

How does the introduction of new alleles from a different population impact the adaptability of the resident population?

It can introduce complexity that hinders adaptation. Signup and view all the answers

When individuals prefer to mate with similar individuals in a population, how are allele frequencies expected to change?

Remain the same, but homozygosity will increase Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome for iguana size as climate change increases temperatures in their habitat?

Increase in size due to better foraging efficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which type of selection is most likely to act on European whitefish with varying gill raker lengths in a diverse habitat?

Disruptive selection favoring both extremes Signup and view all the answers

If all seeds in a habitat become hard, what type of selection would most likely affect seedcracker finches?

Directional selection favoring larger bills Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of small population size on genetic variation?

Loss of genetic variation through genetic drift Signup and view all the answers

What happens to allele frequencies during nonrandom mating within a population?

They will remain unchanged while homozygosity increases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs correctly represents the two types of components in a phylogenetic tree?

Nodes; tips Signup and view all the answers

What is the best definition of a derived trait?

A trait that differs from the ancestral form. Signup and view all the answers

What is a monophyletic group in the context of a phylogenetic tree?

A group containing an ancestral population and all its descendants. Signup and view all the answers

Which group includes an ancestral population but not all of its descendants?

A paraphyletic group Signup and view all the answers

Which method is specifically used for constructing phylogenetic trees?

Maximum parsimony Signup and view all the answers

The presence of antler-like structures in beetles, flies, and deer is an example of what?

Convergent evolution Signup and view all the answers

Which factor suggests a relationship is more likely one of homology rather than convergent evolution?

The two species share a common ancestor with a similar structure. Signup and view all the answers

Ichthyosaurs and fish share similar dorsal fins and tails. This similarity is classified as what type of structure?

Analogous structures Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the relationship between the wings of bats and the wings of birds?

Both are analogous structures Signup and view all the answers

Which species would serve as the best outgroup for constructing a phylogenetic tree of dogs?

Cat Signup and view all the answers

What type of selection is most likely to result in an African butterfly species evolving two distinct color patterns?

Disruptive selection Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is least likely to trigger adaptive radiation?

The introduction of a new predator Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the collection of all alleles from all gametes produced by a population?

Gene pool Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how far back does the fossil record provide evidence of life on Earth?

3.5 billion years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms is least likely to fossilize?

A rare worm living in a desert Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the forelimbs of both penguins and seals, given their common ancestry?

Homologous structures with similar functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the emergence of triazine-resistant pigweed in a field where herbicide is used?

Natural selection favored the triazine-resistant pigweed, which survived and reproduced. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy would have minimized the development of DDT resistance in insect populations?

Rotating DDT with other insecticides to reduce selective pressure for resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What would likely occur to Staphylococcus aureus in antibiotic-free environments with respect to antibiotic resistance?

The frequency of antibiotic-resistant bacteria would likely decrease. Signup and view all the answers

How is biological fitness best defined in an evolutionary context?

The ability of an individual to produce offspring that survive and reproduce. Signup and view all the answers

How did Aristotle's view differ from Plato's regarding the changeability of species?

Aristotle believed species could change, while Plato thought they were static. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about biological invasions is true?

Invasive species can become dominant through natural selection in new environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence of overdosing herbicides in agricultural practices?

It increases the likelihood of herbicide-resistant species emerging. Signup and view all the answers

What type of selection process occurs when an antibiotic-resistant bacterium has a cost associated with maintaining resistance?

Directional selection favoring individuals with the lower fitness cost. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Darwin and Wallace's Theory of Evolution

Proposed that species evolve over time, fundamentally altering the understanding of life on Earth.
Introduced the concept of natural selection, where environmental factors determine the survival and reproduction of organisms.
Challenged the traditional views that species were fixed and independently created.
Revolutionized biology and laid the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology.
Highlighted the interconnectedness of species and the gradual changes that lead to new species over generations.
Shifted the focus from divine explanations of life to a scientific exploration of mechanisms driving evolution.

Pigweed and Herbicide Resistance

New species of pigweed showed resistance to herbicide, enhancing the survival of triazine-resistant individuals.
Natural selection intensified resistance as these pigweed survived, reproduced, and increased resistance in the population.
Excessive herbicide application inadvertently strengthened the surviving pigweed population.

DDT Resistance in Insects

DDT, initially thought to eliminate insect pests, has become ineffective for many due to resistance.
Rotating DDT with other insecticides could have lessened resistance evolution by decreasing selective pressure.

Staphylococcus aureus and Antibiotic Resistance

In absence of antibiotics, bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus that have resistance genes may see a decline in frequency due to a fitness advantage of non-resistant strains.

Biological Fitness

Biological fitness is primarily defined as an organism's ability to produce viable offspring that can also reproduce.

Aristotle vs. Plato

Aristotle's "Great Chain of Being" posited that species could change and were organized hierarchically, contrasting with Plato's static view of species as unchanging.

Genetic Drift

Genetic drift stems from sampling error, leading certain alleles to dominate due to chance rather than natural selection.

Hardy-Weinberg Conditions

Among Hardy-Weinberg conditions, "no gene flow" is typically the easiest to achieve in small populations.

Nonrandom Mating and Allele Frequencies

When individuals preferentially mate with similar partners, allele frequencies may remain stable while increasing homozygosity.

Climate Change and Marine Iguanas

Larger marine iguanas may experience increased reproductive success; higher temperatures could enhance their foraging efficiency, predicting an increase in iguana size due to climate change.

European Whitefish and Gill Raker Length

Variation in gill raker length among whitefish suggests disruptive selection, as longer gill rakers suit open-water diets and shorter ones are advantageous for shallow-water feeding.

Seedcracker Finches and Seed Hardness

Climatological shifts leading to all hard seeds would promote directional selection on finch populations, favoring beak adaptations for hard seeds.

Genetic Variation and Alleles

Introducing new alleles into a population enhances genetic variation, countering the effects of drift.

Tamiflu Resistance in Viruses

In swine co-infected with bird and human flu viruses, a Tamiflu resistance gene's frequency diminishes in environments without the drug.

Biological Species Concept

The biological species concept defines species primarily through reproductive isolation and potential interbreeding among members.

Vicariance Events

Vicariance events can be understood through changes in population distributions caused by environmental modifications.

Derived Traits and Phylogenetic Grouping

A derived trait differs from the ancestral form and helps clarify evolutionary relationships on phylogenetic trees.

Monophyletic and Paraphyletic Groups

A monophyletic group consists of an ancestor and all its descendants, while a paraphyletic group includes an ancestor and some, but not all, descendants.

Phylogenetic Tree Construction

Maximum parsimony is a key method for building phylogenetic trees via cladistics.

Convergent Evolution

Similar traits developed independently in organisms facing similar environmental pressures illustrate convergent evolution.

Fossilization Likelihood

Common organisms in favorable habitats, like a frog near a river, are more likely to fossilize.

Bones of Penguins and Seals

The bones of the forelimbs in penguins and seals are homologous, while the flippers themselves are analogous due to their similar functions in water.

Fossil Record Timeline

The fossil record extends approximately 3.5 billion years into the past.

Adaptive Radiations

Adaptive radiations can be triggered by colonization of new habitats, mass extinctions, increases in available resources, and innovations in adaptations, but not by the introduction of new predators.

Evolutionary Agents in Sea Turtles

Evolution in sea turtles can result from natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow, all of which serve as agents of evolution.

Gene Pool Definition

A gene pool encompasses the entirety of alleles present in a population, representing the genetic diversity.

Selection Types in African Butterflies

Disruptive selection is likely responsible for starkly different color patterns in African butterfly populations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Darwin and Wallace's revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection. This quiz explores the fundamental concepts that challenged traditional views on the origin of species and provided a scientific explanation for evolution.