Natural SelectionTest Review

Question #1During his visit to the Galapagos Islands, Charles Darwin discovered 14 distinct species of finches. These groups had been geographically isolated from one another. Many of them lived on different islands. The species of finches differed mainly in feeding behavior, beak structure, and body size. Yet, all of the species shared some characteristics.

Which of the following statements best explains differences between the finches? A The beaks of the finches changed so the finches could better access different sources of food.

B The beaks of the finches changed so all of the finches could eat the same types of food.

C The beaks of the finches changed as the species of finches migrated to the same island.

D The beaks of the finches changed as the finches' body sizes changed.

Answer

Which of the following statements best explains differences between the finches? A The beaks of the finches changed so the finches could better access different sources of food.

Question #2Darwin used this research to develop the theory of natural selection. Darwin's theory holds that —

A the perfection of structure produced by natural selection typically results in a few useful adaptations.

B the similarity of structure produced by natural selection typically results in a single useful adaptation.

C the lack of gradation of structure produced by natural selection typically results in no useful adaptations.

D the diversity of structure produced by natural selection typically results in many useful adaptations.

Answer

Darwin used this research to develop the theory of natural selection. Darwin's theory holds that —

D the diversity of structure produced by natural selection typically results in many useful adaptations.

Question #3A dominant trait is present in 75% of a large population that mates randomly and lives in a stable environment. After five generations, without evidence of mutations, the frequency of this dominant trait would most likely — A decrease by one-fifth.

B be reduced to zero.

C increase five times.

D remain unchanged.

Answer

A dominant trait is present in 75% of a large population that mates randomly and lives in a stable environment. After five generations, without evidence of mutations, the frequency of this dominant trait would most likely — D remain unchanged.

Question #4

The frequency of traits which presently offer high adaptive value to a population may decrease in future generations if — A the environment changes.

B conditions remain stable.

C mating patterns remain random.

D all organisms with the trait survive.

Answer• The frequency of traits which presently offer high adaptive

value to a population may decrease in future generations if —

A the environment changes.

Question #5 A trait that does not offer members of a population a great advantage will most likely — A appear at the same frequency in successive generations.

B undergo a series of mutations in succeeding generations.

C decrease in frequency in successive generations.

D cause the reproductive rate of individual organisms to increase.

Answer• A trait that does not offer members of a population a great

advantage will most likely —• C decrease in frequency in successive generations.

Question #6Natural selection acts on a population to produce individual organisms with different adaptations. Which is true about these adaptations?

A The usefulness of these adaptations is then tested by interactions in the surrounding environment.

B The usefulness of these adaptations is then reduced by interactions in the surrounding environment.

C These adaptations are useful to every organism and its descendants.

D These adaptations are designed so every organism will be perfectly adapted to its environment.

Answer• Natural selection acts on a population to produce individual

organisms with different adaptations. Which is true about these adaptations?

• A The usefulness of these adaptations is then tested by interactions in the surrounding environment.

Question #7In an area of Indonesia where the ocean floor is littered with empty coconut shells, a species of octopus has been filmed "walking" on two of its eight tentacles. The remaining six tentacles are wrapped around its body. Scientists suspect that, with its tentacles arranged this way, the octopus resembles a rolling coconut. Local predators, including sharks, seem not to notice the octopus as often when it behaves in this manner. This unique method of locomotion has been utilized by successive generations of octopi through — A selective breeding of this octopus species.

B competition between octopi and their predators.

C the process of natural selection.

D ecological succession in marine habitats.

Answer• In an area of Indonesia where the ocean floor is littered with

empty coconut shells, a species of octopus has been filmed "walking" on two of its eight tentacles. The remaining six tentacles are wrapped around its body. Scientists suspect that, with its tentacles arranged this way, the octopus resembles a rolling coconut. Local predators, including sharks, seem not to notice the octopus as often when it behaves in this manner. This unique method of locomotion has been utilized by successive generations of octopi through —

Question #8A graph regarding a population of Eastern Chipmunks is shown below.

Natural selection is operating as an evolutionary mechanism on this chipmunk population. The chipmunks which are most likely to survive and reproduce can be found in —

A cross section i.

B cross section ii.

C cross section iii.

D cross section iv.

Answer• A graph regarding a population of Eastern Chipmunks is shown

below.

• Natural selection is operating as an evolutionary mechanism on this chipmunk population. The chipmunks which are most likely to survive and reproduce can be found in —

Question #9Certain insects resemble the bark of the trees on which they live. Which statement provides the best explanation for this resemblance? A The trees caused mutations in the insects that resulted in this protective coloration.

B Natural selection played a role in the development of this protective coloration.

C The insects needed camouflage so they developed protective coloration.

D The lack of mutations resulted in the protective coloration.

Answer• Certain insects resemble the bark of the trees on which they

live. Which statement provides the best explanation for this resemblance?

Question #10Natural selection produces change in — A individuals during their reproductive years, as hormonal imbalances affect the genotypes of each member of a population.

B populations over multiple breeding cycles, as mutations affect the reproductive fitness of different individuals.

C individuals during their lifespan, as developmental changes affect the phenotypes of each member of a population.

D populations over a single breeding cycle, as advantageous traits affect the supply of environmental resources of different

individuals.

Answer• Natural selection produces change in —

B populations over multiple breeding cycles, as mutations affect the reproductive fitness of different individuals.

Question #11The teeth of carnivores are pointed and are good for puncturing and ripping flesh. The teeth of herbivores are flat and are good for grinding and chewing. Which statement best explains these observations?

A The two types of teeth most likely developed as a result of the needs of an organism.

B Carnivores have developed from herbivores.

C Herbivores have developed from carnivores.

D The two types of teeth most likely developed as a result of natural selection.

Answer• The teeth of carnivores are pointed and are good for

puncturing and ripping flesh. The teeth of herbivores are flat and are good for grinding and chewing. Which statement best explains these observations?

D The two types of teeth most likely developed as a result of natural selection.

Question #12

The graph below represents the populations of two different species in an ecosystem over a period of several years.Which statement is a possible explanation for the changes shown? A Species B is better adapted to this environment. B Species A is better adapted to this environment. C Species A is the predator of Species B. D Species B is a parasite that has benefited Species A.

Answer

The graph below represents the populations of two different species in an ecosystem over a period of several years.Which statement is a possible explanation for the changes shown?

A Species B is better adapted to this environment.

Question #13

Two organisms are categorized in the same species if they — A have similar structures for aerobic respiration.

B live and feed in the same niche.

C are able to share similar environments and eating locations.

D are able to mate and produce a fertile offspring.

Answer• Two organisms are categorized in the same species if they —

D are able to mate and produce a fertile offspring.

Question #14

Genes that are responsible for new traits that help a species survive in a particular environment will usually — A not change in frequency.

B decrease gradually in frequency.

C decrease rapidly in frequency.

D increase in frequency.

Answer• Genes that are responsible for new traits that help a species

survive in a particular environment will usually —

D increase in frequency.

Question #15According to the theory of natural selection, why are some individuals more likely than others to survive and reproduce?

A Some individuals are better adapted to their environment than others.

B Some individuals pass on to their offspring new characteristics they have acquired during their lifetimes.

C Some individuals do not pass on to their offspring new characteristics they have acquired during their lifetimes.

D Some individuals tend to produce fewer offspring than others in the same environment.

Answer

According to the theory of natural selection, why are some individuals more likely than others to survive and reproduce? A Some individuals are better adapted to their environment than others.

Question #16

Genetic drift is a process that causes — A the genetic makeup of an entire population to be altered.

B the genetic makeup of an entire population to disappear.

C organisms to better adapt to their environment.

D organisms to have the same DNA as their parents.

Answer• Genetic drift is a process that causes —

A the genetic makeup of an entire population to be altered.

Question #17After the Industrial Revolution, dark-colored moths outnumbered light-colored moths in certain regions of England. Within the past 40 years, factories in these regions have added scrubbers and air purifiers to their smokestacks. The relative number of light-colored moths has increased. The probable reason for this increase is that —

A overpopulation occurred and most of the light-colored moths died, leaving only dark-colored moths to reproduce.

B the environment favored the survival of light-colored moths over dark-colored moths.

C the allele for light color became dominant over the allele for dark color.

D the dark color of certain moths faded in direct sunlight.

Answer• After the Industrial Revolution, dark-colored moths

outnumbered light-colored moths in certain regions of England. Within the past 40 years, factories in these regions have added scrubbers and air purifiers to their smokestacks. The relative number of light-colored moths has increased. The probable reason for this increase is that —

B the environment favored the survival of light-colored moths over dark-colored moths.

Question #18

Which phrase belongs in box X in the flowchart below?

A Decrease in genetic variability of offspring

B Decreased number of altered genes

C Increase in the production of functional gametes

D Increased chance of cancer

Answer• Which phrase belongs in box X in the flowchart below?

D Increased chance of cancer

Question #19The gene frequency for a particular characteristic in a population was determined to be 80% A (dominant allele) and 20% a (recessive allele). Fifty years later, the gene frequency was determined to be 60% A and 40% a. What does this change indicate about the gene pool? A It is undergoing gradual change.

B It has become predominantly recessive.

C It has remained stable.

D It lacks mutations.

Answer• The gene frequency for a particular characteristic in a

population was determined to be 80% A (dominant allele) and 20% a (recessive allele). Fifty years later, the gene frequency was determined to be 60% A and 40% a. What does this change indicate about the gene pool?

A It is undergoing gradual change.

Question #20The photograph below shows puppies from the same litter.The physical differences between these puppies likely arise from — A sorting and recombination of genes.

B mutations and elimination of genes.

C overproduction and selective breeding.

D winter camouflage and asexual reproduction.

Answer

The photograph below shows puppies from the same litter.The physical differences between these puppies likely arise from —

A sorting and recombination of genes.

Question #21One explanation for the variety of organisms present on Earth today is that over time —

A each niche has changed to support a certain variety of organism.

B new species have adapted to fill available niches in the environment.

C gradual genetic change in certain species has produced a range of species that look similar to one another.

D the environment has remained unchanged, which has led to successive generations of similar organisms.

Answer• One explanation for the variety of organisms present on Earth

today is that over time —

B new species have adapted to fill available niches in the environment.

Question #22Which situation would most likely result in the highest rate of natural selection? A Asexual reproduction of organisms in an unchanging environment

B Reproduction of organisms in an unchanging environment with little competition

C Reproduction of a species having a very low mutation rate in a changing environment

D Reproduction of a species with a high mutation rate in a changing environment

Answer• Which situation would most likely result in the highest rate of

natural selection?

D Reproduction of a species with a high mutation rate in a changing environment

Question #23Some behaviors such as mating and caring for young are genetically determined in certain species of birds. The presence of these behaviors is most likely due to the fact that — A individual birds need to learn to survive and reproduce.

B these behaviors helped birds to survive in the past.

C birds do not have the ability to learn.

D birds developed these behaviors within their lifetimes.

Answer• Some behaviors such as mating and caring for young are

genetically determined in certain species of birds. The presence of these behaviors is most likely due to the fact that —

B these behaviors helped birds to survive in the past.

Question #24A small town on the edge of the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge was heavily infested with mosquitoes. The town was sprayed with an insecticide for a period of several months. The graph below shows the results of the daily counts of the mosquito population.

Which of the following statements best explains why some mosquitoes survived after the first spraying?

A All mosquitoes had a genetic mutation that made them resistant to the insecticide.

B None of the mosquitoes had a genetic mutation that made them resistant to the insecticide.

C Only the mosquitoes from the previous generation had a genetic mutation that made them resistant to the insecticide.

D Some mosquitoes had a genetic mutation that made them resistant to the insecticide.

Answer• A small town on the edge of the Caddo Lake National Wildlife

Refuge was heavily infested with mosquitoes. The town was sprayed with an insecticide for a period of several months. The graph below shows the results of the daily counts of the mosquito population.

• Which of the following statements best explains why some mosquitoes survived after the first spraying?

D Some mosquitoes had a genetic mutation that made them resistant to the insecticide.

Question #25In order for natural selection to cause a population to develop useful adaptations, organisms in a population must display different forms of particular traits. These traits must be associated with — A rapid, frequent reproduction.

B reproductive fitness.

C a wide range of reproductive organs.

D asexual reproduction.

Answer• In order for natural selection to cause a population to develop

useful adaptations, organisms in a population must display different forms of particular traits. These traits must be associated with —

B reproductive fitness.

Question #26Look at the diagram of two populations of bacteria below.The diagram reveals that natural selection operated on the first population of bacteria. This led to — A a slight decrease in the amount of diversity in the second population.

B a slight increase in the amount of diversity in the second population.

C no diversity in the second population.

D the same amount of diversity in the second population.

Answer• Look at the diagram of two populations of bacteria below.• The diagram reveals that natural selection operated on the

first population of bacteria. This led to —

B a slight increase in the amount of diversity in the second population.

Question #27When penicillin was first introduced, it was effective in destroying most of the strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a species of bacterium that causes gonorrhea. Today, certain strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are resistant to penicillin. Which statement best explains the existence of these resistant strains? A Penicillin stimulated certain strains to develop resistance, and the resistance was passed on to the offspring.

B Penicillin killed the susceptible strains, and strains that were more

resistant survived to reproduce.

C Penicillin used today is not as strong as the penicillin used when it was first introduced.

D Penicillin over-developed the immune systems of the resistant strains.

Answer• When penicillin was first introduced, it was effective in

destroying most of the strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a species of bacterium that causes gonorrhea. Today, certain strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are resistant to penicillin. Which statement best explains the existence of these resistant strains?

B Penicillin killed the susceptible strains, and strains that were more resistant survived to reproduce.

Question #28A trait that an organism expresses during its lifetime will only cause its species to become better adapted if the trait — A is caused by the genetic code that is present in the gametes of the organism.

B causes a change in the environment surrounding the organism.

C decreases the number of genes in the body cells of the organism.

D results from isolation of the organism from the rest of the population.

Answer• A trait that an organism expresses during its lifetime will only

cause its species to become better adapted if the trait —

• A is caused by the genetic code that is present in the gametes of the organism.

Question #29Two graphs regarding land snails are shown below.Which of these conclusions can be made using the two graphs? A A weight of 5 milligrams (mg) has become a disadvantage for land snails in this environment.

B Land snails that weigh 25 milligrams (mg) are eating land snails that weight 5 milligrams (mg).

C Heavier land snails migrated out of the area between 2000 and 2010.

D Land snails that weigh more than 20 milligrams (mg) live longer than land snails that weigh less than 20 milligrams (mg).

Answer• Two graphs regarding land snails are shown below.• Which of these conclusions can be made using the two

graphs?

A A weight of 5 milligrams (mg) has become a disadvantage for land snails in this environment.

Question #30In an area in Africa, temporary pools form in wetlands. Some fish have developed the ability to use their ventral fins as "feet" to travel on land from one temporary pool to another. Fish without this ability die when the pools dry up. What can be expected to happen in this area after many years? A All varieties of fish will survive and produce many offspring. B The number of fish using ventral fins as "feet" will increase. C "Feet" in the form of ventral fins will develop on all fish. D All fish will develop the ability to walk on their ventral fins.

Answer• In an area in Africa, temporary pools form in wetlands. Some

fish have developed the ability to use their ventral fins as "feet" to travel on land from one temporary pool to another. Fish without this ability die when the pools dry up. What can be expected to happen in this area after many years?

• B The number of fish using ventral fins as "feet" will increase.