Quiz on Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

Quiz on Darwin and the Theory of Evolution. 1. What does comparative anatomy suggest about diverse organisms? A. They have no relation to each other . B. Their structures are entirely different. C. They share similarities in structure indicating shared ancestry. D. They evolved independently without any common ancestors. Answer: They share similarities in structure indicating shared ancestry. (C) Comparative anatomy highlights structural similarities that point to a common ancestry among various organisms. 2. What limitation of Darwin's original theory was addressed by later discoveries in genetics? A. Evolutionary change was thought to occur only in isolated populations. B. The mechanisms of natural selection were poorly understood. C. The concept of random genetic mutation was fully detailed. D. The role of heredity in evolution was not completely clear . Answer: The role of heredity in evolution was not completely clear . (D) Darwin's original theory lacked a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of heredity, which was later clarified with advances in genetics. 3. What does the modern synthesis of evolution emphasize? A. Evolution occurs only through environmental changes. 2 B. All genetic variations are beneficial to survival. C. Natural selection operates on random genetic variations. D. Evolution is purely a random process without selection. Answer: Natural selection operates on random genetic variations. (C) The modern synthesis combines Darwin's ideas with genetic principles, emphasizing that evolution results from natural selection acting on random genetic variations. 4. What does population genetics study? A. Only the genetic similarities among different species. B. How genetic variation within populations changes over time. C. The impact of external environment on single organisms. D. The introduction of new species into ecosystems. Answer: How genetic variation within populations changes over time. (B) Population genetics focuses on understanding the genetic variation within populations and how it evolves over time. 5. Which of the following aspects was NOT well understood at the time of Darwin? A. The concept of natural selection. B. The existence of diverse species on Earth. C. The role of gene flow in evolution. D. The mechanisms by which traits are inherited. Answer: The mechanisms by which traits are inherited. (D) Darwin's theory was limited by a lack of understanding regarding the 3 mechanisms of heredity and genetic variation. 6. What was a significant outcome of Darwin's observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle? A. He observed no variations in species. B. He discovered a new species of mammal. C. He developed a comprehensive theory of natural selection. D. He concluded all species were fixed and unchanging. Answer: He developed a comprehensive theory of natural selection. (C) Darwin's meticulous observations led to the formation of his theory of evolution by natural selection. 7. Which of the following factors is NOT a principle of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection? A. Variation exists within populations. B. Some variations are heritable. C. Limited resources lead to competition. D. Survival of the fittest is solely determined by size. Answer: Survival of the fittest is solely determined by size. (D) Survival of the fittest is determined by advantageous traits, not exclusively by size. 8. How does natural selection influence a population over time? A. It eliminates all forms of competition. B. It increases the frequency of advantageous traits. C. It promotes only the survival of the largest individuals. 4 D. It leads to random changes in the gene pool. Answer: It increases the frequency of advantageous traits. (B) Natural selection results in advantageous traits becoming more common in a population. 9. What do homologous structures provide evidence for in the context of Darwin's theory? A. The existence of different species with no common ancestry. B. The idea that all species are identical in structure. C. The process of extinction in isolated environments. D. The concept of common descent among species. Answer: The concept of common descent among species. (D) Homologous structures support the idea that all life shares a common ancestor. 10. What role do environmental factors play in natural selection? A. They have no influence on species adaptation. B. They solely determine the size of the organisms. C. They dictate which traits are advantageous for survival. D. They promote genetic uniformity among populations. Answer: They dictate which traits are advantageous for survival. (C) Environmental pressures influence which traits are beneficial for survival and reproduction. 11. What evidence does the fossil record provide in relation to Darwin's theory of evolution? A. It solely focuses on the extinction of modern species. 5 B. It demonstrates the sequence of changes within life forms over generations. C. It indicates that life forms have always been identical throughout history. D. It shows all life forms appeared suddenly without changes. Answer: It demonstrates the sequence of changes within life forms over generations. (B) The fossil record illustrates the gradual changes in life forms over time, supporting evolution. 12. What was one of Darwin's observations about the Galapagos finches? A. Beak shapes varied adapted to different food sources. B. Finches were the only species without observable traits. C. All finches had identical beak shapes regardless of food sources. D. The finches showed no variations among populations. Answer: Beak shapes varied adapted to different food sources. (A) Darwin noted that finches adapted their beaks according to the types of food available on the islands. 13. Which statement best describes the process of natural selection? A. It occurs randomly and has no directed outcome. B. It only affects large populations without variation. C. It enhances the survival of all traits universally. D. It acts on individuals but leads to population changes. Answer: It acts on individuals but leads to population changes. (D) 6 Natural selection impacts individual organisms, but the cumulative effect is observed in populations.