Evolution Practice

A snowshoe hare's fur color changes from brown to white in the winter. Why is it important for the snowshoe hare's fur to change?

• It allows the snowshoe hare to blend in when the environment changes.

• It allows other animals to see the snowshoe hare in different environments.

• It keeps the snowshoe hare cooler in the winter.

• It keeps the snowshoe hare warmer in the summer.

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Which of the following statements best explains why aquatic turtles (live in water) and terrestrial turtles (live on land) are in the same order but have different feet?

• A. Aquatic (water) turtles evolved from webbed feet for walking, and terrestrial (land) turtles evolved for swimming.

• B. Aquatic turtles and terrestrial turtles have similar body plans, but water turtles grow slower than land turtles.

• C. Aquatic turtles were in a different species, but now they are not.

• D. Aquatic turtles and terrestrial turtles evolved from a common ancestor, but they have adapted to different environments.

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When an environment changes, species must be able to adapt to the new conditions. What is most likely the result if a species cannot adapt?

• The species will have variations

• The species will go into hibernation

• The species will modify the conditions.

• The species will die out and become extinct

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Darwin proposed that the mechanism behind evolutionary change was:

• Heterozygosity

• Genetic Drift

• Inheritance of Acquired Traits

• Natural Selection

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Spider webs help spiders (a)   .

• avoid predators

• capture food

• stay dry

• keep warm

A species with highly specialized traits is most likely vulnerable to extinction because:

• A) small changes in its habitat can affect its ability to survive.

• B) it is able to adapt quickly to extreme weather conditions.

• C) it is able to eat a wide variety of foods from the environment.

• D) it cannot survive without enough water.

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Which of these is an example of a new trait that would most likely decrease an organism’s chance of survival?

• an insect is able to survive and reproduce after being sprayed with insecticide

• a species of snake with vertical bands of color blends in with a rocky shoreline

• an albino deer stands out against the dark background of its surroundings

• offspring of a moth are able to blend in with the color of bark on a tree

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Peacocks perform an elaborate dance while displaying their tail feathers. What purpose does this action most likely serve for the peacock?

• It keeps their feathers clean.

• It enables them to attract a mate.

• It allows them to more easily lose their feathers.

• It distracts other animals so the peacock can escape.

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The feathers of male goldfinches become brightly colored each spring. Which best describes why the color of the feathers changes each year?

• a genetic mutation

• a learned behavior

• a behavioral adaptation

• a physical adaptation

Which trait most likely helps an animal survive in a very cold environment?

• long ears

• large eyes

• thick fur

• sharp claws