Module 2 Flashcards
What was the dominant belief about species before Darwin? A) Species evolved gradually B) Species were fixed and unchanging C) Species arose randomly D) Evolution occurred through divine intervention
B) Species were fixed and unchanging
Which concept suggests that all organisms share a common ancestor? A) Spontaneous Generation B) Descent with Modification C) Natural Selection D) Genetic Drift
B) Descent with Modification
What is the primary mechanism of evolution according to Darwin? A) Artificial Selection B) Natural Selection C) Genetic Mutation D) Spontaneous Generation
B) Natural Selection
Which of the following best defines evolution? A) Change in an individual’s traits over time B) Change in inherited characteristics of a population C) Sudden transformation of a species D) Development of new species overnight
B) Change in inherited characteristics of a population
How long has evolution been shaping life on Earth? A) 1 million years B) 500 million years C) 3.5 billion years D) 10 billion years
C) 3.5 billion years
What does ‘niche’ refer to in an ecological context? A) The organism’s genetic makeup B) The organism’s position in a food chain C) The role and space an organism occupies in its environment D) The species’ population size
C) The role and space an organism occupies in its environment
Which analogy best describes the ‘Tree of Life’ in evolution? A) A linear progression B) A branching diagram C) A circular structure D) A random pattern
B) A branching diagram
Which of the following is NOT a key point in Darwin’s theory? A) Overproduction B) Competition C) Mutation D) Natural Selection
C) Mutation
Why do most species produce more offspring than can survive? A) To ensure competition B) To allow adaptation C) To increase chances of survival D) To promote natural selection
C) To increase chances of survival
Limited resources lead to which evolutionary principle? A) Overproduction B) Competition C) Speciation D) Adaptation
B) Competition
Why is genetic variation important in evolution? A) It prevents new species from forming B) It ensures all organisms look alike C) It provides differences that natural selection can act upon D) It limits the ability of organisms to adapt
C) It provides differences that natural selection can act upon
What is an adaptation? A) A learned behavior B) A genetic trait that improves survival and reproduction C) A temporary change in an organism’s behavior D) An organism’s response to a stimulus
B) A genetic trait that improves survival and reproduction
What is the role of natural selection in evolution? A) It selects organisms best suited to survive and reproduce B) It creates new species instantly C) It eliminates all genetic variation D) It slows down evolutionary change
A) It selects organisms best suited to survive and reproduce
What does speciation refer to? A) The extinction of species B) The evolution of new species C) The process of genetic mutation D) The adaptation of individuals
B) The evolution of new species
Which factor is NOT a main driver of evolution? A) Overproduction B) Competition C) Natural Selection D) Artificial Selection
D) Artificial Selection
Which evidence strongly supports the theory of evolution? A) Fossil records B) Observations of genetic mutation C) Similar DNA sequences across species D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the role of extinction in evolution? A) It has no impact B) It eliminates unfit species and allows new ones to evolve C) It prevents natural selection D) It speeds up genetic variation
B) It eliminates unfit species and allows new ones to evolve
Which term describes small genetic changes accumulating over time? A) Gradualism B) Punctuated Equilibrium C) Mutation D) Genetic Drift
A) Gradualism
What did Darwin observe about finches in the Galápagos Islands? A) They were identical in all locations B) They had different beak shapes suited to their environment C) They all ate the same food D) They evolved within a single generation
B) They had different beak shapes suited to their environment
Which scientist developed a similar theory of natural selection independently of Darwin? A) Jean-Baptiste Lamarck B) Gregor Mendel C) Alfred Russel Wallace D) Charles Lyell
C) Alfred Russel Wallace
Which of the following is NOT part of natural selection? A) Genetic variation B) Environmental pressures C) Equal survival of all individuals D) Adaptation over time
C) Equal survival of all individuals
What happens when a population’s environment changes? A) All individuals survive B) Only the best-adapted individuals reproduce C) Evolution stops D) Species instantly mutate
B) Only the best-adapted individuals reproduce
Which factor directly leads to genetic variation in populations? A) Natural selection B) Environmental change C) Mutations and genetic recombination D) Speciation
C) Mutations and genetic recombination
How does artificial selection differ from natural selection? A) It occurs randomly B) It is driven by environmental pressures C) Humans select traits in organisms D) It eliminates genetic variation
C) Humans select traits in organisms
Which of the following best summarizes Darwin’s theory? A) Species are fixed and do not change B) Evolution occurs through natural selection over time C) All changes are caused by divine intervention D) Evolution has stopped in modern species
B) Evolution occurs through natural selection over time
What happens to traits that do not provide an advantage? A) They always disappear B) They may persist or fade depending on selection pressure C) They immediately cause extinction D) They transform into new traits overnight
B) They may persist or fade depending on selection pressure
What does the fossil record show about evolution? A) Species have remained the same over time B) Life has changed gradually over millions of years C) Evolution does not occur D) New species appear without any ancestors
B) Life has changed gradually over millions of years
Why do species go extinct? A) They are no longer needed B) They fail to adapt to environmental changes C) They choose to disappear D) They run out of food
B) They fail to adapt to environmental changes
Which factor is essential for evolution to occur? A) A stable environment B) A population with no variation C) Genetic differences within a population D) All members of a species being identical
C) Genetic differences within a population
