Galápagos Tortoises

How did tortoises originally arrive at the Galápagos Islands?

• They floated across the ocean.

• They were carried by birds.

• They swam across the ocean.

• They walked over a land bridge.

What is the main reason Galápagos tortoises developed different traits from mainland tortoises?

• Introduction of new predators on the islands.

• A sudden change in climate on the mainland.

• Different environmental conditions on the islands.

• Human intervention in breeding.

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What is the closest living relative to the Galápagos tortoise?

• The Chaco tortoise.

• The African spurred tortoise.

• The Aldabra giant tortoise.

• The Indian star tortoise.

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What adaptive trait helps Galápagos tortoises survive in desert environments?

• A saddleback shell.

• A longer tail.

• A thicker shell.

• Webbed feet.

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Why did the mutation for a curved shell become common in Galápagos tortoises?

• It was a random mutation with no benefit.

• It made them more attractive to mates.

• It helped them swim better.

• It allowed them to reach higher food sources.

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What is the process called when one species becomes two distinct species?

• Adaptation.

• Speciation.

• Mutation.

• Natural selection.

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How long did it take for Galápagos tortoises to become a new species after arriving on the islands?

• Over a long period of time.

• Within a few generations.

• Immediately upon arrival.

• In less than a century.

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What role does natural selection play in the evolution of tortoises?

• It selects for traits that are adaptive in a given environment.

• It prevents any changes in species.

• It speeds up the process of speciation.

• It causes random mutations.

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Formation of new species. (a)  

• Speciation
• Trait
• Fossil record
• Ancestor

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Change over time is

• evolution

• generation

• growth

• biogenesis

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