Evolutionary Biology and Natural Selection Quiz

Darwin proposed natural selection as the mechanism for evolution.

Homologous structures share a common evolutionary origin, indicating a shared ancestor.

Homology implies common ancestry and shared evolutionary history, while analogy refers to similarities that arise independently due to similar environmental pressures.

Fossils provide direct evidence of past life forms and the history of evolution, allowing scientists to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and timelines.

Natural selection drives the adaptation of organisms to their environment.

Eyes in different species evolved independently but serve the same function.

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which is the basis for natural selection to act upon.

Color change in lizards is an adaptation that enhances survival by camouflage.

Coevolution occurs when two or more species reciprocally influence each other's evolution, often through symbiotic relationships like mutualism.

Founder effect occurs when a new population is established by a small number of individuals, leading to genetic differences from the original population.

Sexual selection focuses on traits that enhance mating success rather than survival advantage.

Evolution can result in the emergence of new species (increase) or extinction of existing ones (decrease), affecting species diversity.

Humans selectively breed organisms for desired traits, unlike natural selection which operates through environmental pressures.

Bottleneck effect occurs when a population undergoes a dramatic reduction in size, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.