#1
Which of the following is an example of genetic drift?
A sudden decrease in population size due to a catastrophic event
ExplanationGenetic drift: Allele frequencies change due to random events.
#2
What is the primary source of genetic variation in a population?
Mutation
ExplanationGenetic variation primarily arises from mutations.
#3
What is the term for the process where certain traits become more common in a population over generations due to their positive impact on survival and reproduction?
Natural selection
ExplanationNatural selection favors traits beneficial for survival and reproduction, leading to their increase in frequency.
#4
What is the term for the evolutionary process where organisms become more suited to their environment over time?
Adaptation
ExplanationAdaptation involves organisms becoming better suited to their environment through natural selection.
#5
Which evolutionary process leads to the development of homologous structures?
Divergent evolution
ExplanationHomologous structures arise from divergent evolution.
#6
What is the term for the process where species evolve in response to one another?
Co-evolution
ExplanationSpecies evolve in response to each other in co-evolution.
#7
Which of the following is an example of allopatric speciation?
A river separates two populations of birds, leading to the formation of two distinct species
ExplanationAllopatric speciation occurs due to geographical isolation.
#8
What is the term for the process where unrelated species evolve similar traits?
Convergent evolution
ExplanationConvergent evolution leads to similar traits in unrelated species.
#9
What is the term for the phenomenon where an organism mimics the appearance of another species for protection?
Mimicry
ExplanationMimicry provides protective benefits through resemblance to another species.
#10
Which of the following is NOT a factor that can contribute to the rate of evolution?
Geographic isolation
ExplanationGeographic isolation impedes gene flow but doesn't affect the rate of evolution.
#11
Which of the following best describes convergent evolution?
Unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures
ExplanationConvergent evolution results in similar traits due to environmental selection pressures.
#12
Which of the following is an example of stabilizing selection?
Human birth weight centered around an average value
ExplanationStabilizing selection favors average phenotypes.
#13
Which evolutionary mechanism can lead to the formation of new species without geographic isolation?
Sympatric speciation
ExplanationSympatric speciation occurs within the same geographical area.
#14
What role does sexual selection play in evolution?
It favors individuals with advantageous physical traits
ExplanationSexual selection promotes traits beneficial for mating success.
#15
Which of the following is an example of prezygotic reproductive isolation?
Two species of plants flower at different times of the year, preventing cross-pollination
ExplanationPrezygotic isolation prevents mating or fertilization.
#16
What is the name of the process where a single species diverges into multiple species, each adapted to a different ecological niche?
Adaptive radiation
ExplanationAdaptive radiation leads to the diversification of species into various ecological niches.
#17
Which of the following evolutionary processes is driven by interactions between species rather than environmental factors?
Co-evolution
ExplanationCo-evolution involves reciprocal evolutionary changes between species.
#18
What is the name of the phenomenon where the frequency of alleles in a population changes due to chance events?
Genetic drift
ExplanationGenetic drift causes allele frequency changes due to random events.