XI. Patterns of Evolution

What is selection pressure?

• The sudden appearance of many new species

• The process by which species adapt to their environment

• The large-scale evolutionary patterns and processes

• The competition among species for resources

Which of the following is NOT a reason for extinctions?

• Species have to compete for similar resources

• The environment changes and some species adapt while others perish

• Gradual extinctions occur due to natural selection

• All species that have ever lived are now extinct

What is adaptive radiation?

• The process by which species become extinct

• The competition among species for resources

• The sudden appearance of many new species when organisms move into unoccupied habitats and niches

• The gradual change in species over time due to natural selection

What is a significant effect of mass extinctions on life on Earth?

• They decrease the number of habitats and niches available

• They ensure only the strongest species survive

• They provide ecological opportunities for new species to occupy vacated habitats and niches

• They result in all species becoming extinct

What is convergent evolution?

• The process by which closely related species become more dissimilar.

• The process by which different species evolve similar traits.

• The evolution of new species after a mass extinction event.

• The arrival of new species in an ecosystem.

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

• The evolution of the first amphibians as they colonized the landmasses.

• The arrival of the dinosaurs.

• The explosion of new mammal species that occurred when the dinosaurs became extinct.

• A shark and a dolphin developing similar body types despite being distantly related.

What is divergent evolution?

• The process by which different species evolve similar traits.

• The process by which closely related species become more and more dissimilar.

• The evolution of new species after a mass extinction event.

• The arrival of new species in an ecosystem.

Which of the following is an example of divergent evolution?

• Penguins and sharks developing similar body types.

• A shark and a dolphin having similar structures due to living in similar environments.

• Lizards with different body types evolving on an island due to different environmental pressures.

• The evolution of the first amphibians as they colonized the landmasses.

What is coevolution?

• The process by which a single species evolves over time.

• The process by which two species evolve in response to changes in each other.

• The process by which an organism evolves due to natural disasters.

• The process by which plants develop toxins without any interaction with other species.

What does the term "punctuated equilibrium" describe in evolution?

• A pattern of rapid evolution without any stable periods.

• A pattern of evolution that is consistent and unchanging.

• A pattern of long, stable periods interrupted by brief periods of more rapid change.

• A pattern where evolution only occurs in isolated populations.