Genetic Mutations and Phenotypic Changes Quiz

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What is biological evolution?

Static state of organisms

Sudden appearance of new species

Immediate change in the environment

Descent with modification (correct)

Which of the following is NOT an example of biological evolution?

Trees losing their leaves seasonally

Mountain ranges rising and eroding

The descent of different species from a common ancestor (correct)

Changes in allele frequency in a population

What is the fundamental process required for evolution to occur?

Mutation of all genes in a population

Selective breeding only

Environmental stability

Genetic variation acted upon by selective forces (correct)

Which statement best describes the role of genetic variation in evolution?

Genetic variation allows for selective forces to act Signup and view all the answers

What does evolution help us understand about life's history?

The history of life on Earth Signup and view all the answers

Which process leads to small-scale evolution?

Changes in allele frequency in a population Signup and view all the answers

What type of mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful?

Beneficial, neutral, or harmful Signup and view all the answers

Do mutations try to supply what an organism needs?

No, mutations are random and do not try to supply what the organism needs Signup and view all the answers

Where do somatic mutations occur?

Nonreproductive cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mutations matter for large-scale evolution?

Germ line mutations Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible effect of a mutation occurring in a stretch of DNA with no function?

Neutral effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of effects a single germ line mutation can have?

A variety of effects on phenotype Signup and view all the answers

What is genetic drift?

A mechanism of evolution along with natural selection, mutation, and migration Signup and view all the answers

How does genetic drift differ from natural selection?

Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures Signup and view all the answers

Which populations are more affected by genetic drift?

Small populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main driver of genetic drift?

Random fluctuations in gene frequency Signup and view all the answers

How does genetic drift influence allele frequency?

By causing changes due to sampling error Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes the role of genetic drift in evolution?

It is a random process that affects allele frequency in populations Signup and view all the answers

What are mutations that cause the death of an organism called?

Lethals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cannot be caused by mutations according to the text?

Pigs having wings Signup and view all the answers

What are the main reasons for mutations as discussed in the text?

External influences Signup and view all the answers

What is the founder effect?

A decrease in genetic variation in a new population Signup and view all the answers

What happens when DNA breaks down due to external influences?

The cell ends up with slightly different DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mutations are considered 'naturally occurring'?

Mutations from inaccurate DNA copying during cell division Signup and view all the answers

How does the founder effect contribute to the emergence of certain genetic diseases?

By increasing the frequency of certain genetic traits Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of DDT resistance in insects as mentioned in the text?

It's an example of a beneficial mutation caused by external influences Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the genetic variability of a new population established through the founder effect?

It decreases compared to the original population Signup and view all the answers

Why does the founder effect lead to certain genetic traits becoming more prevalent in a new population?

Due to isolation and small population size Signup and view all the answers

Which generation in the founder effect scenario experiences a drastic reduction in population size?

Generation 3 Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of the founder effect on the final population?

Decreased genetic variability Signup and view all the answers