Evolutionary Biology Quiz

What does the theory of evolution provide for biologists?

All living organisms have evolved from a common ancestor.

What is adaptation in the context of evolution?

The _____ structures are features that are similar due to shared ancestry.

Match the type of evolution with its description:

Which statement best represents a misconception about evolution?

Convergent evolution results in species that increasingly resemble one another.

Name one example of a vestigial structure in modern organisms.

What is the term for when two species evolve in diverse directions from a common ancestor?

Convergent evolution occurs when different species evolve similar traits independently.

Name one example of a vestigial structure in organisms.

Fossils provide solid evidence that organisms from the past are not the same as those __________.

Which of the following is a result of natural selection acting on a population?

All similarities between species are due to homologous structures.

What does the presence of homologous structures suggest about different species?

The __________ of an organism’s development provides evidence of relatedness among different species.

Which of these examples illustrates convergent evolution?

Natural selection can produce significant changes in a species' genotype within a single generation.

What are analogous structures?

Match the following plant species with their features:

What do vestigial structures indicate about an organism?

What does the theory of evolution primarily explain?

According to the theory of evolution, organisms can evolve intentionally to adapt to their environment.

What molecule is mentioned as a mechanism of inheritance that plays a role in evolution?

The presence of life on Earth means that the events that led to life cannot __________.

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

What is essential for natural selection to act upon in a population?

The resistance gene in bacteria arises as a direct result of applying antibiotics.

What factors determine which characteristics evolve in a species?

Evolution is not __________ directed and does not aim for improvement over time.

What misconception might arise regarding statements about evolution?

What term did Darwin use to describe the process of change in populations over generations?

Natural selection is the only mechanism known for adaptive evolution.

Who presented papers on natural selection at the Linnean Society in 1858?

The ________ finch populations are a significant example of natural selection studied by the Grants.

What caused the small-billed birds to survive during the El Niño event?

Genetic mutations can have effects with varying impacts on an organism's fitness.

What are the two main mechanisms that contribute to genetic diversity in populations?

A heritable trait that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction is called an ________.

What is a possible outcome of a mutation on phenotype?

Match the organisms to their adaptations:

Large leaves were advantageous for plants in moist climates because they helped in energy absorption.

What effect did the improved conditions in 1987 have on the average bill size of finches?

Genetic variation can occur through ________ and ________.

What type of biologist typically conducts research outdoors in natural habitats?

How does natural selection contribute to adaptation over time?

During early development, which structures are exhibited by all vertebrate embryos?

Marsupials are found worldwide due to their diversification in Australia.

What does the theory of evolution describe?

What mechanism of evolutionary change did Darwin and Wallace propose?

The geographic distribution of organisms is best explained by __________ in conjunction with tectonic plate movement.

Georges-Louis Leclerc Comte de Buffon reintroduced the idea that species are static and unchanging.

Who was a Scottish geologist that proposed gradual geological change?

Match the following organisms with their respective unique locations:

What is a common misconception about evolution?

Darwin observed that giant tortoises with longer necks were better able to reach food during _______.

The theory of evolution has remained unchallenged since its proposal by Darwin.

Match the contributors to evolutionary thought with their key ideas:

What happens to DNA sequences over time as organisms evolve?

What did Darwin observe about the finches on the Galápagos Islands?

Natural selection leads to the increased reproduction of all individuals in a population equally.

The regions that evolved after the breakup of Pangaea are typically found in __________ areas of the planet.

What do gene duplication events allow organisms to do?

What is the term used to describe the survival and reproduction of individuals with favorable traits?

Evolution explains the origin of life itself.

According to Darwin, most characteristics of organisms are ________ from parent to offspring.

Match the principle of natural selection with its explanation:

Why do some structures disappear in adult forms of terrestrial groups?

Individuals change due to _________ and __________, not due to evolution.

Which of the following statements most closely represents the concept of 'survival of the fittest'?

All species adaptively change over time according to environmental pressures.

Match the following evolutionary mechanisms with their descriptions:

What did Thomas Malthus' essay contribute to Darwin's understanding of natural selection?

Lamarck’s theory involved the ________ of acquired characteristics as a means of evolutionary change.

Match the figure with the observation made: