Evolution Practice Exam - Study Notes
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin?

  • Genetic drift
  • Environmental pressure
  • Natural selection (correct)
  • Mutational adaptation

Which statement best describes genetic variation in a population?

  • It is the differences in physical traits and alleles among individuals. (correct)
  • It refers to the identical traits present in all individuals of a population.
  • It is a mechanism that leads to extinction.
  • It is the total number of individuals in a specific area.

What is an example of artificial selection?

  • The evolution of species in isolated environments
  • Natural selection acting on wild species
  • The adaptation of plants to different soil types
  • The breeding of dogs for specific traits like size or coat color (correct)

Which statement best defines speciation?

<p>The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes homologous structures from analogous structures?

<p>Homologous structures come from a common ancestor, while analogous structures do not. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of genetic drift?

<p>A natural disaster randomly eliminates individuals from a population (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "survival of the fittest" mean?

<p>Organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the "tree of life" model in evolution?

<p>It shows how all organisms are related through a common ancestor. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes "natural selection"?

<p>Organisms with advantageous traits survive longer and reproduce more than those without these traits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is genetic variation in a population?

<p>The differences in physical traits and alleles among individuals in a population (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a source of genetic variation in populations?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Galápagos finches are often used as an example of:

<p>Adaptive radiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fossil?

<p>A trace of an organism's existence from the past, usually found in rock (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is evidence supporting the theory of evolution?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between homologous and analogous structures?

<p>Homologous structures come from a common ancestor, while analogous structures do not (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term "speciation"?

<p>The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

<p>The breeding of dogs for specific traits like size or coat color (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by "survival of the fittest"?

<p>Organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of convergent evolution?

<p>The development of wings in bats and birds → analogous structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mechanism of evolution (Darwin)

Natural selection is the primary mechanism of evolution. Organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more, passing those traits on to offspring.

Natural Selection

Organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to their offspring.

Genetic Variation

The differences in physical traits and alleles (versions of genes) among individuals within a population.

Source of genetic variation

Mutation, gene flow, and genetic recombination are all mechanisms that introduce variation into populations.

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Adaptive Radiation

The process where a single species evolves into many diverse species adapted to different environments.

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Fossil

A preserved trace of an organism from the past.

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Homologous Structures

Similar structures in different species that share a common ancestor.

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Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

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What is the primary mechanism of evolution?

Natural selection is the primary mechanism of evolution, as proposed by Charles Darwin.

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How does natural selection work?

Organisms with beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment are more likely to pass on those traits to their offspring.

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What is genetic variation?

The differences in traits and genes (alleles) among individuals within a population.

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What are sources of genetic variation?

Genetic variation is influenced by mutation, gene flow (migration), and sexual reproduction (recombination).

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What are the Galápagos finches famous for?

Galápagos finches are an example of adaptive radiation, where a single species evolves into many diverse species adapted to different environments.

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What is a fossil?

A preserved trace of an organism from the past, often found in rock.

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What are some pieces of evidence for evolution?

Evidence for evolution includes the fossil record, anatomical similarities, DNA comparisons, and direct observations of change.

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What's the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Homologous structures have similar structures due to a common ancestor, while analogous structures serve similar functions but don't share a recent ancestor.

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What is speciation?

The process of forming new and distinct species during evolution.

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What is artificial selection?

Humans intentionally breeding organisms for desired traits, like size or color in dogs.

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Explain "survival of the fittest"?

Individuals with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on.

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What is an example of genetic drift?

A random event, like a natural disaster, that eliminates individuals from a population, causing changes in allele frequencies.

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What is convergent evolution?

Similar traits developing independently in unrelated species due to similar environmental pressures.

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Why is the "tree of life" important?

The tree of life model shows how all organisms are related through common ancestors, illustrating their evolutionary history.

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What is a trait?

A specific characteristic of an organism, like its color, size, or behavior, that can be influenced by its genes and the environment.

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What makes a trait advantageous?

A trait is advantageous if it increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its specific environment.

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What is an allele?

A version or variant of a gene that contributes to a specific trait.

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How does mutation contribute to variation?

Mutations, changes in DNA sequence, can introduce new alleles into a population, increasing genetic diversity.

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How does gene flow affect variation?

Gene flow is the movement of genes between populations, through migration, which can introduce new alleles or alter existing allele frequencies.

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How does sexual reproduction contribute to variation?

Sexual reproduction combines genes from two parents, creating unique combinations of alleles in offspring.

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What is extinction?

The complete disappearance of a species from Earth, often due to environmental changes, competition, or natural disasters.

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What is the role of the environment in evolution?

The environment provides the selective pressures that favor certain traits, allowing organisms with those traits to survive and reproduce more successfully.

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What is a common ancestor?

A shared ancestor that lived in the past from which two or more different species have evolved.

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What is a phylogenetic tree?

A diagram that depicts evolutionary relationships between organisms, showing how they are related through common ancestors.

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What is evolution?

The gradual change in the genetic makeup of a population over time, leading to the development of new species.

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What is evolution's primary mechanism?

Natural selection is the primary mechanism of evolution, as proposed by Charles Darwin.

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Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can introduce new traits.

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Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations, usually through migration.

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Study Notes

Evolution Practice Exam - Study Notes

  • Mechanism of Evolution (Darwin): Natural selection is the primary mechanism
  • Natural Selection: Organisms with advantageous traits survive longer and reproduce more than those without these traits
  • Genetic Variation: The differences in physical traits and alleles among individuals in a population
  • Sources of Genetic Variation: Mutations and sexual reproduction
  • Artificial Selection: Breeding of dogs for specific traits (e.g., size, coat color)
  • Fossil: A trace of an organism's past existence, typically found in rock
  • Evidence for Evolution: Fossil record, comparative anatomy, and embryological similarities
  • Convergent Evolution: The development of similar traits in unrelated species due to similar environments (e.g., wings in bats and birds)
  • Speciation: Formation of new species through evolution
  • Survival of the Fittest: Organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce
  • Genetic Drift: Random changes in the genetic makeup of a population (e.g., natural disaster eliminating individuals)
  • "Tree of Life" Model: Illustrates the relationships between all organisms through a common ancestor

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Evolution Exam Multiple Choice PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection and genetic variation. This quiz covers key concepts such as artificial selection, fossil evidence, and speciation. Prepare yourself for exams with these comprehensive study notes!

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