Biological Diversity and Evolutionary Mechanisms Quiz

Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection.

Natural selection is the process by which organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Species is the fundamental unit of classification in biological taxonomy.

Natural selection is the process where populations evolve traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in their environment.

Genetic recombination involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Lamarckism is not a mechanism of evolution; it's a discredited theory of inheritance.

The wings of birds and bats are an example of convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in different species.

Genetic drift is the random fluctuation of allele frequencies in a population.

Temporal isolation prevents mating between species by differences in mating periods or seasons.

The first mammals appeared in the Cenozoic Era.

Non-random mating is not a requirement for natural selection; it can occur in populations with random mating.

Allopatric speciation occurs when a physical barrier, like a river, separates a population into two, leading to independent evolution.

The founder effect happens when a few individuals establish a new population, leading to reduced genetic diversity compared to the original population.

Hybrid inviability occurs post-fertilization, where hybrid embryos fail to develop or survive.

Stabilizing selection favors individuals with intermediate phenotypes, reducing variation in a population.