Evidence and Mechanisms of Biological Evolution Quiz

Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection.

The appendix is an example of a vestigial structure in humans.

Stasis is not a mechanism of evolutionary change.

The Mesozoic Era is often referred to as the 'Age of Dinosaurs'.

Evolution is the process of species evolving over long periods due to changes in inherited traits.

Molecular biology provides direct proof of evolutionary relationships among species.

Coevolution is the process by which two or more species evolve adaptations in response to each other over time.

Genetic mutations are the primary source of new genetic variation in biological evolution.

Parallel evolution is the process by which unrelated species evolve similar traits in response to similar environmental challenges.

Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution driven by random changes in allele frequencies.

Biological fitness refers to the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment in the context of evolution.

Adaptation is a trait that provides a selective advantage and increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction.

Convergent evolution is when similar traits evolve in unrelated species due to similar selective pressures.

Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution occurs in short bursts of rapid change separated by long periods of stability.

The fossil record shows a snapshot of past life forms and their transitions, contributing to the study of evolution.

Francis Crick is credited with the discovery of the structure of DNA, providing crucial insights into the mechanisms of evolution.

Divergent evolution suggests species evolve independently in response to their unique environments.

DNA polymerase synthesizes a new strand of DNA using a template strand in the process of DNA replication.