Mechanisms for Evolutionary Change: Selection

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What is the main mechanism proposed by Darwin for evolution?

Mutation

Genetic drift

Natural selection (correct)

Migration

Which of the following is an important feature of Darwin's theory of natural selection related to variation?

Variation should be genetic (correct)

Adaptation is a random trait

Variation is caused by mutation

Variation should be non-genetic

What is an adaptation according to Darwin's theory of natural selection?

A heritable trait that improves survival and reproduction (correct)

A trait that harms the organism

A trait that prevents reproduction

An acquired characteristic

What type of evolution occurs when two species evolve in different directions from a common point?

Divergent evolution Signup and view all the answers

Which type of structures are similar in function and appearance, but do not share a common ancestor?

Analogous structures Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for natural selection to produce evolutionary change in a population?

Individuals with certain inherited characteristics producing more surviving offspring Signup and view all the answers

According to Lamarck's theory, what was the mechanism for evolutionary change?

The use or disuse of characteristics during an organism's lifetime, which were then passed on to offspring Signup and view all the answers

What assumption did Lamarck make about the existence of simple and complex organisms?

Simple organisms were continually created through spontaneous generation Signup and view all the answers

What was the key difference between Lamarck's theory and the theory of natural selection proposed by Darwin and Wallace?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What was the mechanism proposed by Darwin and Wallace for evolutionary change?

Random genetic variations and the process of natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What did Darwin and Wallace observe during their travels that led to their theory of natural selection?

Similar patterns of variation and adaptation in different organisms Signup and view all the answers

According to Lamarck's theory, what would happen to a characteristic that is not used by an organism?

It would eventually disappear or become smaller Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur?

Individuals with favorable traits must outcompete those with less favorable traits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a mechanism for evolutionary change in a population, as described in the text?

Genetic drift Signup and view all the answers

What are the two parts of the process of speciation?

Initially identical populations must diverge, and reproductive isolation must evolve to maintain these differences Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between artificial selection and natural selection, as described in the text?

The breeder selects for desired characteristics in artificial selection, while environmental conditions determine which individuals produce the most offspring in natural selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to lead to evolutionary change, according to the text?

Individuals with favorable traits must outcompete those with less favorable traits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between artificial selection and natural selection?

Artificial selection is driven by human preferences, while natural selection is driven by environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

Mechanisms for Evolutionary Change: Selection

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