Mechanisms of Genetics STAAR Practice

A chemical spill causes the offspring of ladybugs to have blue dots instead of black dots.

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

• Mutation

• Gene Flow

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The country of Sweden is known for having people with blonde hair and blue eyes. One day a family moves from Sweden to India where dark hair and dark eyes are very common. A female from Sweden marries a male from India and their offspring now have blonde hair and blue eyed traits.

• Natural Selection

• Mutation

• Non-Random Mating

• Gene Flow

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A certain type of plant can produce blue or yellow flowers. During a fire, many yellow flowers are destroyed and now since blue is the dominant trait, the plant reproduces offspring that produce only blue flowers.

• Non-Random Mating

• Gene Flow

• Mutation

• Genetic Drift

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Some organisms of a population of birds are born with extra-long beaks instead of a normal sized beak.

• Gene Flow

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

• Mutation

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A scientist observes that a certain species of fish has developed a new fin shape that allows it to swim faster. What is the most likely genetic mechanism behind this change?

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

• Mutation

• Gene Flow

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In a population of rabbits, a rare white fur trait becomes more common after a snowy winter. Which mechanism of genetics is responsible for this change?

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

• Mutation

• Gene Flow

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A group of birds migrates to a new island and interbreeds with the local bird population, introducing new feather color traits. What genetic mechanism is at work?

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

• Mutation

• Gene Flow

A farmer notices that his crop of corn has developed resistance to a common pest. What genetic mechanism could explain this adaptation?

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

• Mutation

• Gene Flow

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A population of insects becomes isolated on an island, and over time, they develop unique characteristics not seen in the mainland population. What is this an example of?

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

• Mutation

• Gene Flow

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A scientist discovers a new type of bacteria that can survive in extreme temperatures. What genetic mechanism might have allowed this adaptation?

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

• Mutation

• Gene Flow

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