Natural Selection & Evolution

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

• Fossil records, comparative anatomy, genetic similarities, and observed evolutionary changes in species.

• Only fossil records and comparative anatomy.

• Genetic mutations and environmental changes.

• The theory of creationism and historical texts.

What is Natural Selection?

• Natural selection is the process by which organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

• Natural selection is the random change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

• Natural selection is the method by which humans breed plants and animals for desired traits.

• Natural selection is the process in which organisms with traits well suited to an environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual evolution of species.

What is the significance of pelvic bones in baleen whales?

• They are used for swimming and locomotion.

• They indicate that baleen whales evolved from four-legged ancestors.

• They serve as a site for muscle attachment for their fins.

• They are remnants of a previous diet of land-based food.

What are Homologous Structures?

• Anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, even though they may serve different functions.

• Structures that are similar in function but not in structure across different species.

• Features that are identical in structure and function across different species.

• Anatomical features that arise due to environmental adaptations in different species.

What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?

• Genetic variation allows populations to adapt to changing environments by providing the raw material for natural selection.

• Genetic variation is irrelevant to evolution and does not affect species adaptation.

• Genetic variation only occurs in asexual reproduction and has no impact on evolution.

• Genetic variation leads to the extinction of species by creating unfit individuals.

What is an example of adaptive evolution?

• The light-colored moths becoming more successful in environments where tree bark is lighter due to pollution control.

• The development of larger beaks in birds due to food scarcity.

• The increase in size of fish in deeper waters due to overfishing.

• The change in color of flowers to attract more pollinators.

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

• Mutations have no effect on genetic variation.

• Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to an organism's survival.

• Mutations only result in harmful traits for organisms.

• Mutations are always beneficial and lead to improved survival rates.

What is the difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

• Natural selection is driven by human choices in breeding, while artificial selection occurs through environmental pressures.

• Natural selection occurs through environmental pressures, while artificial selection is driven by human choices in breeding.

• Natural selection and artificial selection are the same processes with different names.

• Natural selection is a process that only occurs in plants, while artificial selection occurs in animals.

What is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution?

• Convergent evolution occurs when related species become more different over time, while divergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

• Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, while divergent evolution occurs when related species become more different over time.

• Convergent evolution is the process where species evolve in isolation, while divergent evolution is when species come together and share traits.

• Convergent evolution is when species adapt to different environments, while divergent evolution is when species adapt to the same environment.

What is a common misconception about evolution?

• Evolution is a linear process where species evolve in a straight line.

• Evolution is a branching process with many species evolving from common ancestors.

• Evolution only occurs in response to environmental changes.

• All species evolve at the same rate.