Evolutionary Patterns and Processes

Which answer best describes macroevolution?

• Largest-scale evolutionary changes via speciation or extiniction that occur over time

• A scientist who classifies organisms into groups and makes a hypothesis on whether they are a different species based on the evidence

• Identification of species by differences in their appearances

• AP biological trait evolves in two unrelated species as a result of exposure to similar environments

Answer explanation

Macroevolution refers to the largest-scale evolutionary changes that occur over time, such as speciation or extinction.

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The death of every member of a species

• The flu

• epidemic

• extinct

• population

Answer explanation

Extinct refers to the death of every member of a species, highlighting the correct choice.

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What is a mass extinction?

• When all the species in a particular area on earth suddenly go extinct

• When multiple species from all over the earth suddenly go extinct 

• When one species goes extinct due to habitat changes

• When all life on earth is wiped out 

Answer explanation

Mass extinction refers to the sudden extinction of multiple species from all over the earth. It is a catastrophic event that leads to the disappearance of various life forms.

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Describes a patter of long, stable periods interrupted by brief periods of more rapid change

• convergent evolution

• coevolution

• punctuated equilibrium

• adaptive radiation

Answer explanation

Punctuated equilibrium describes long stable periods with brief rapid changes. It is the correct choice.

The idea that evolution seems to occur in spurts of time.

• stabilizing selection

• directional selection

• disruptive selection

• puntuated equilibrium

Answer explanation

Punctuated equilibrium is the correct choice. Evolution occurs in spurts of time, characterized by long periods of stability interrupted by rapid changes.

The hypothesis that evolution of a species occurs gradually over time as a slow and constant process is known as

• speciation

• punctuated equilibrium

• gradualism

• microevolution

Answer explanation

Gradualism is the hypothesis that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over time, supporting the correct choice.

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The hypothesis that evolution of a species occurs in periods of rapid change separated by periods of little or no change is called

• divergence

• gradualism

• punctuated equilibrium

• isolation

Answer explanation

Punctuated equilibrium is the hypothesis that species evolve in rapid bursts of change separated by periods of little or no change.

The evolution of an ancestral species into an array of species that occupy different niches

• convergent evolution

• coevolution

• speciation

• adaptive radiation

Answer explanation

Adaptive radiation is the evolution of an ancestral species into multiple species that occupy different niches, highlighting the correct choice.

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A single species that has evolved into several different forms that live in different ways has undergone

• adaptive radiation.

• coevolution.

• punctuated equilibrium.

• mass extinction.

Answer explanation

Adaptive radiation is the correct answer. It refers to a single species evolving into different forms that live in different ways.

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What is convergent evolution?

• evolution toward similar traits in unrelated species

• evolution toward different traits in closely related species

• elimination of a species from Earth

• the rise of two or more species from one existing species

Answer explanation

Convergent evolution is the evolution toward similar traits in unrelated species. It occurs when different species independently develop similar characteristics to adapt to similar environments.

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