30 Questions
What is biological evolution?
Descent with modification
Which of the following is NOT an example of biological evolution?
The descent of different species from a common ancestor
What is the fundamental process required for evolution to occur?
Genetic variation acted upon by selective forces
Which statement best describes the role of genetic variation in evolution?
Genetic variation allows for selective forces to act
What does evolution help us understand about life's history?
The history of life on Earth
Which process leads to small-scale evolution?
Changes in allele frequency in a population
What type of mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful?
Beneficial, neutral, or harmful
Do mutations try to supply what an organism needs?
No, mutations are random and do not try to supply what the organism needs
Where do somatic mutations occur?
Nonreproductive cells
Which type of mutations matter for large-scale evolution?
Germ line mutations
What is a possible effect of a mutation occurring in a stretch of DNA with no function?
Neutral effect
What is the range of effects a single germ line mutation can have?
A variety of effects on phenotype
What is genetic drift?
A mechanism of evolution along with natural selection, mutation, and migration
How does genetic drift differ from natural selection?
Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures
Which populations are more affected by genetic drift?
Small populations
What is the main driver of genetic drift?
Random fluctuations in gene frequency
How does genetic drift influence allele frequency?
By causing changes due to sampling error
Which statement best summarizes the role of genetic drift in evolution?
It is a random process that affects allele frequency in populations
What are mutations that cause the death of an organism called?
Lethals
Which of the following cannot be caused by mutations according to the text?
Pigs having wings
What are the main reasons for mutations as discussed in the text?
External influences
What is the founder effect?
A decrease in genetic variation in a new population
What happens when DNA breaks down due to external influences?
The cell ends up with slightly different DNA
Which type of mutations are considered 'naturally occurring'?
Mutations from inaccurate DNA copying during cell division
How does the founder effect contribute to the emergence of certain genetic diseases?
By increasing the frequency of certain genetic traits
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
What happens to the genetic variability of a new population established through the founder effect?
It decreases compared to the original population
Why does the founder effect lead to certain genetic traits becoming more prevalent in a new population?
Due to isolation and small population size
Which generation in the founder effect scenario experiences a drastic reduction in population size?
Generation 3
What is one consequence of the founder effect on the final population?
Decreased genetic variability
Test your knowledge on genetic mutations and their impact on phenotypic changes. Explore how single mutations can lead to significant alterations in an organism's characteristics, such as DDT resistance or lethality. Understand the limitations of mutations in generating certain types of changes in organisms.
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