#1
Which scientist is credited with proposing the theory of evolution by natural selection?
Charles Darwin
ExplanationDarwin proposed natural selection as the mechanism driving evolution.
#2
What is a gene pool?
The combined genetic information of all members of a population
ExplanationThe gene pool represents the total genetic diversity within a population.
#3
Which of the following is an example of genetic drift?
Bottleneck effect
ExplanationGenetic drift, like the bottleneck effect, reduces genetic diversity due to a sudden population size reduction.
#4
What does the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describe?
The stable frequency of alleles in a population over generations
ExplanationThe equilibrium describes a theoretical population where allele frequencies remain constant.
#5
What is the founder effect in population genetics?
When a small group from a larger population establishes a new population with a different genetic makeup
ExplanationThe founder effect occurs when a new population is founded by a small group, leading to genetic differences from the source population.
#6
Which type of selection favors extreme phenotypes, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity?
Directional selection
ExplanationDirectional selection shifts the population towards one extreme phenotype, reducing genetic diversity.
#7
Which evolutionary mechanism involves the movement of genes between populations?
Gene flow
ExplanationGene flow introduces genetic variation by transferring alleles between populations.
#8
What is a synonymous mutation?
A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein
ExplanationSynonymous mutations do not alter the resulting protein sequence.
#9
What is the effect of genetic linkage on the inheritance of genes?
It reduces the likelihood of recombination between linked genes
ExplanationGenetic linkage results in co-inheritance of linked genes, reducing genetic recombination.
#10
In the context of evolution, what is meant by 'convergent evolution'?
The process by which unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures
ExplanationConvergent evolution leads to similar traits in unrelated species due to analogous environmental challenges.