Copy of Copy of Evolution Exam

What is evolution?

• a. The loss of a species (a species dies out)
• b. The change of traits in a species over time
• c. The predation of one species on another species
• d. The conversion of a carnivore (meat eater) into an herbivore (plant eater)

Which statement below best describes the rate of evolution?

• a. Evolution is always a slow process
• b. Evolution is usually a slow process, but it can occur quickly as well
• c. Evolution is usually a fast process, but it can occur slowly as well
• d. Evolution is always a fast process

What is a common ancestor?

• a. A selective pressure that led the formation all the species on Earth
• b. An organism from which all organisms on Earth descended from
• c. An organism which all organisms on Earth strive to become
• d. An organism that lives on a different planet as well as Earth

Which of the following is NOT a postulate of Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection?

• a. There is little to no variation among the individuals in a species
• b. Individuals compete with each other for resources
• c. Competition can lead to death of individuals
• d. Individuals who survive are more likely to reproduce and pass traits to offspring

What is an adaptation?

• a. A characteristic that an organism acquires during its life
• b. A favorable trait, which helps an organism survive
• c. An unfavorable trait, which is detrimental to the survival of an organism
• d. A characteristic that makes an organism “less fit”

Which organisms are more likely to survive, reproduce and pass their traits to offspring?

• a. Organisms that are well-adapted to the environment
• b. Organisms that are not well-adapted to the environment
• c. Organisms that are less fit
• d. Organisms that reproduce very quickly

What is a source of variation in a sexually reproducing species?

• a. Mutations
• b. Recombination
• c. Both a and b
• d. Neither a or b

Which of the following is a resource that organisms compete for?

• a. Water
• b. Space
• c. Mates
• d. All of the above

Why do organisms compete with each other for resources?

• a. There is an unlimited supply of resources
• b. There is a limited supply of resources
• c. Organisms produce more offspring than can survive
• d. Both b and c

What is “survival of the fittest?”

Answer explanation

organisms best adjusted to their environment are the most successful in surviving and reproducing.