Evolutionary Concepts Quiz

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How do mutations persist in populations?

If they are beneficial for the environment

If they can be passed from generation to generation (correct)

By being harmful to the organisms

By mutating rapidly within a single generation

Why is it unlikely for two siblings (except identical twins) to look exactly alike?

Due to the predictable assortment of chromosomes during gamete formation

Because of the random assortment of chromosomes during gamete formation (correct)

Because of the non-random distribution of chromosomes during genetic recombination

Because they share the exact same genetic material from their parents

What is the main factor determining the number of phenotypes for a given trait?

Physical traits of the parents

Environmental factors alone

Interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors (correct)

Number of chromosomes in the organism

What defines a single-gene trait?

Trait controlled by only one gene with two or more alleles Signup and view all the answers

How are phenotypic ratios determined in populations?

By genotypic frequencies and mode of inheritance Signup and view all the answers

What type of curve is typical of polygenic traits?

Normal distribution curve Signup and view all the answers

What is one way molecular biology can be used to trace the process of evolution?

Comparing DNA sequences among different species Signup and view all the answers

What genetic evidence supports the idea that all organisms share common ancestors?

Universal genetic code Signup and view all the answers

How does recent research on Galapagos finches contribute to our understanding of natural selection?

It highlights the role of genetic mutations in beak size and shape Signup and view all the answers

What hypothesis have the Grants been studying regarding evolution?

Natural selection as the primary driver Signup and view all the answers

What key discovery did twentieth-century geneticists make about genes and variation?

They identified genes as carriers of hereditary information Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of natural selection in the evolution of populations?

Leading to the survival and reproduction of organisms with beneficial traits Signup and view all the answers

How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?

It involves intentional breeding by humans for desired traits Signup and view all the answers

According to evolutionary theory, what is the significance of descent with modification?

It indicates that all life shares a common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

Why is high fitness crucial for an organism's survival?

It depends on the specific environment and its demands Signup and view all the answers

How does high fitness relate to adaptations in different environments?

Fitness depends on the specific challenges and opportunities in an environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of natural selection on populations?

Promoting traits beneficial for survival and reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What does a true clade must contain?

All the descendants of a common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

In classification, what is the main purpose of comparing DNA sequences?

To reveal evolutionary relationships among organisms Signup and view all the answers

Why is DNA analysis preferred over morphological traits for classification?

Morphological traits are not reliable for classification Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a clade from a class in taxonomy?

Clade consists of a common ancestor and its descendants, while class is a taxonomic rank Signup and view all the answers

Why are cladograms considered graphical presentations and not fixed representations?

Because they represent evolutionary relationships in a visual manner Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of living organisms does the tree of life show?

Their evolutionary relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the theory in evolutionary biology proposing long periods of little evolutionary change punctuated by bursts of rapid evolution?

Punctuated equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

During what periods would rapid evolution be expected to occur?

During environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

What determines the speed at which evolution occurs?

Reproductive rates of species Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the concept that changes in species happen gradually over long periods through small, incremental changes?

Gradualism Signup and view all the answers

In evolutionary theory, what does the fossil record occasionally show as an interruption to gradual evolution?