Unit 22 Assessment

Question 1

Charles Darwin _____. See Concept 22.2 (Page 469)

() proposed natural selection as the mechanism of evolution

() eagerly published his theory before it was well-developed

() was the first to realize that fossils are remains of ancient organisms

() proposed that unused parts of the body deteriorate

()was the first person to conclude that organisms evolve

Answer 1

*Although Wallace submitted his work for publication first, Darwin’s work was known to have pre-dated Wallace’s work and was much more detailed; therefore, Darwin was given credit for the theory.*

proposed natural selection as the mechanism of evolution

Question 2

Which of the following statements about natural selection is true?

() Natural selection favors individuals that reproduce more than others.

() Natural selection can be used by farmers to generate organisms with desirable traits.

() Natural selection is a process whereby genes are selected randomly for preservation in the next generation.

() Natural selection occurs in opposition to evolution.

Answer 2

*Individuals who are better able to survive and reproduce are more likely to be selected for than individuals who don’t survive or cannot reproduce.*

Natural selection favors individuals that reproduce more than others.

Question 3

Which term describes a trait that increases an individual’s ability to survive in a particular environment?

() Evolution

() Fitness

() Adaptation

() Heritability

Answer 3

*An adaptation is a trait that increases an individual’s ability to survive in a particular environment.*

Adaptation

Question 4

Which term describes the ability of a trait to be passed on to offspring?

() Fitness

() Adaptation

() Evolution

() Heritability

Answer 4

*Heritability is the ability of a trait to be passed on to offspring.*

Heritability