Evolutionary Biology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the presence of pleiotropic genes/alleles indicate?

New advantageous alleles arise randomly.

Adaptations are often compromises. (correct)

Adaptations come without trade-offs.

Evolutionary processes are free from historical influences.

Which postulate of Darwin does variation among individuals in a population most directly relate to?

Variation exists among individuals. (correct)

New species arise through gradual change.

Survival and reproduction are nonrandom.

Populations evolve through differential survival.

Which drawing best illustrates that survival and reproductive success among individuals is nonrandom?

A drawing showing equal sizes and colors.

A drawing lacking any variations among individuals.

A drawing with all individuals suffering equally.

A drawing highlighting individuals with advantageous traits. (correct)

Which statements about variation in populations are true based on Darwin's principles? (Select all that apply)

Some variations are inherited. Signup and view all the answers

What role does heritable variation play in Darwin's theory of evolution?

It enables the adaptation of populations over generations. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pollinator is most effective for orchids?

Bees Signup and view all the answers

What explains the loss of eyes in certain cave-dwelling organisms?

Natural selection favoring advantageous traits over time Signup and view all the answers

Why do the forelimbs of mammals like horses, whales, and bats appear suboptimal?

Their design reflects historical structures and limitations Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the sickle-cell allele and malaria in equatorial Africa?

The allele reduces susceptibility to malaria in heterozygous carriers Signup and view all the answers

What is one major consequence of the pleiotropic effects of the sickle-cell allele?

It provides a survival advantage against malaria but can cause health issues. Signup and view all the answers

How do turtle shells balance the needs for protection and mobility?

They offer significant protection but hinder agility due to their weight. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle underlying natural selection in relation to structural changes?

Natural selection is limited to modifying existing traits from ancestors. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the persistence of the sickle-cell allele in certain populations?

It is linked to a trait that is beneficial in regions with high malaria prevalence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best sequence that represents the statement about poorly-adapted individuals?

2 → 4 → 1 → 3 Signup and view all the answers

To investigate whether longer hair in male cotton-topped tamarins enhances mating opportunities, one should determine what?

If hair length is heritable. Signup and view all the answers

What best explains the farmer's experience with increasing pigweed after using triazine herbicide?

Triazine-resistant weeds survived better and reproduced more. Signup and view all the answers

After exposing M.tuberculosis to rifampin, what is the expected result regarding the rpoB gene mutation?

Most M.tuberculosis with the mutation are found in standard nutrient cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the rpoB mutation have on M.tuberculosis when exposed to rifampin?

It decreases the effectiveness of RNA polymerase. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of the triazine herbicide use in pigweed populations?

Development of herbicide-resistant pigweed strains. Signup and view all the answers

How does longer hair affect male cotton-topped tamarins in terms of adaptation?

Longer hair is beneficial for mating success. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of natural selection, what can be inferred about the pigweed that survived the triazine application?

They possessed traits that conferred survival advantages. Signup and view all the answers

What is expected to happen to the percentage of pink flowers if all slugs are removed from the population?

The percentage of pink flowers should increase over time. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the ineffectiveness of DDT against insect pests?

Insect pests would have no genetic variations leading to resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to Staphylococcus aureus in environments lacking antibiotics?

These bacteria would be outcompeted by those lacking resistance genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely outcome for medium ground finches that colonize an island abundant in T.cistoides over the next millennium?

Evolution of yet larger, deeper beaks over time Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the beak size of finches during a prolonged drought on Daphne Major?

Beak characteristics significantly influenced the survival of finches during the drought. Signup and view all the answers

What would be the expected effect of setting up reliable feeding stations for the medium ground finches on beak morphology?

Increased variation in beak size and shape over time Signup and view all the answers

What could be a potential outcome if pink-flowering plants are protected from herbivory?

Their relative fruit set should increase. Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception about the use of DDT?

All insect populations would have remained unaffected. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the study on medium ground finches, what factor is assumed to be the primary limit on finch fitness in the new location?

Food availability in the new environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could potentially disrupt the evolution of deeper beaks in medium ground finches?

Equal access to varied food types in abundance Signup and view all the answers

In terms of ecological impact, what role do slugs play concerning flower color preference?

They contribute to selective pressure favoring pink flowers. Signup and view all the answers

How might the genetic variation among insect pests affect DDT application strategies?

Increased genetic diversity would necessitate adaptive management strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What does the hypothesis regarding the survival of medium ground finches suggest about beak size?

Larger beaks provide an advantage for eating specific foods. Signup and view all the answers

What genetic mutation is noted in M.tuberculosis that affects its survival in cell cultures?

mutations affecting RNA polymerase Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly summarizes the outcome of testing M.tuberculosis strains in rifampin-containing cultures?

No living bacteria can survive in rifampin-containing cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What potential advantage do large beaks provide medium ground finches when consuming T.cistoides fruits?

They enhance the ability to crack and access tougher seeds. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Genetic Frequencies and Natural Selection

Genetic frequencies within populations can change over time due to natural selection.
Poorly adapted individuals experience decreased survivorship, which impacts population dynamics.

Cotton-topped Tamarins

Males with longer hair have more mating opportunities, suggesting hair length may be an adaptive trait.
Determining hair length heritability is critical to testing its adaptive significance.

Triazine Herbicide and Pigweed Resistance

Triazine herbicide initially controls pigweed effectively but resistance develops over time.
Evolution of triazine-resistant pigweed involves natural selection favoring those with mutation for resistance.

Medium Ground Finches and Beak Size

After drought conditions, medium ground finches with large, deep beaks survive better due to dietary adaptation.
If these finches colonize an island with abundant tough fruits, evolution of larger, deeper beaks is expected over time.

Finch Beak Variation Due to Feeding Stations

Introduction of food variety by a tourist company leads to increased variation in finch beak sizes.
This change results from different feeding preferences rather than selection for specific beak characteristics.

Claytonia virginica Floral Color Variation

The flower color (white to pink) in Claytonia virginica affects its survival; slugs prefer pink flowers.
Removing slugs from the population would likely result in an increase of pink-flowering plants over time.

DDT Resistance in Insect Pests

DDT was initially effective against pests, but resistance evolved due to genetic variation.
Preventing resistance would have required an absence of genetic variations that confer DDT resistance.

Staphylococcus aureus and Antibiotic Resistance

In antibiotic-free environments, Staphylococcus aureus strains with antibiotic-resistance genes may be outcompeted by those without the cost of resistance.

Beak Size in Finch Evolution

During prolonged drought, finch survival is influenced by the depth and strength of their beaks.
Environmental pressures shape physical characteristics beneficial for survival.

Loss of Structures through Natural Selection

Cave-dwelling organisms, tapeworms, and whales have lost certain structures that were more costly than beneficial due to natural selection principles.

Forelimb Structure and Evolution

The arrangement of forelimbs in mammals like horses, whales, and bats reflects modifications of ancestral structures rather than optimal design.

Sickle-cell Allele in Malaria Regions

In malaria-prone areas, the sickle-cell allele benefits individuals through decreased malaria susceptibility despite its associated risks.
Pleiotropic alleles, like the sickle-cell, illustrate the trade-offs present in evolutionary adaptations.

Illustrating Darwin's Postulates

Variation among individuals is crucial for evolution; this is demonstrated through different bacterial abilities (illustrated in drawings).
Reproductive success and survival are often nonrandom, influenced by favorable traits.

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Description

Test your understanding of natural selection and genetic adaptation in populations with this evolutionary biology quiz. The questions explore the relationships between physical traits and reproductive success in species such as the cotton-topped tamarin. Answer multiple-choice questions to gauge your grasp of evolutionary concepts.