#1
Which scientist is credited with proposing the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin
ExplanationDarwin proposed natural selection as the mechanism for evolution.
#2
In the context of evolution, what does the term 'fitness' refer to?
Ability to survive and reproduce
ExplanationFitness refers to an organism's reproductive success.
#3
What is the term for the process by which unrelated organisms evolve similar traits due to adaptation to similar environments?
Convergent evolution
ExplanationUnrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
#4
What is the main concept behind the neutral theory of molecular evolution proposed by Motoo Kimura?
Mutations in non-coding regions are selectively neutral
ExplanationMost mutations do not affect an organism's fitness.
#5
What is the term for the process of new species evolving rapidly in response to environmental changes?
Adaptive radiation
ExplanationIt's the rapid diversification of species into new ecological niches.
#6
What is the primary source of genetic variation in a population?
Mutation
ExplanationMutations introduce new genetic variations.
#7
Which term describes the process by which a single species evolves into two or more species?
Speciation
ExplanationSpeciation is the divergence of one species into multiple.
#8
Which type of selection favors individuals at both extremes of the phenotypic range?
Disruptive selection
ExplanationDisruptive selection favors extreme phenotypes over intermediates.
#9
What is the primary cause of the bottleneck effect in population genetics?
Genetic drift
ExplanationGenetic drift reduces genetic diversity due to random events.
#10
Which of the following is an example of prezygotic reproductive isolation?
Temporal isolation
ExplanationTemporal isolation prevents mating due to timing differences.
#11
What is the term for the random changes in allele frequencies within a population over time?
Genetic drift
ExplanationGenetic drift is the random fluctuation of allele frequencies.
#12
What is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium used to study in population genetics?
Allele frequency
ExplanationIt studies how allele frequencies remain constant in idealized populations.
#13
Which factor is considered a major driver of macroevolutionary processes?
Extinction
ExplanationExtinction drives major evolutionary changes.
#14
Which scientist proposed the concept of the 'Red Queen hypothesis' in the context of coevolution?
Leigh Van Valen
ExplanationThe Red Queen hypothesis suggests constant evolutionary adaptation.
#15
What role does the founder effect play in the establishment of new populations?
Decreases genetic diversity
ExplanationIt reduces genetic variation in new populations.
#16
Which evolutionary process leads to the emergence of homologous structures in different species due to a common ancestor?
Divergent evolution
ExplanationIt's the process of species diverging from a common ancestor.
#17
In population genetics, what does the term 'effective population size' represent?
Number of reproducing individuals
ExplanationIt's the number of individuals contributing offspring to the next generation.