Chapter 18 Quiz
How does the scientific meaning of "theory" differ from the common vernacular meaning? a) A scientific theory is a thoroughly tested set of explanations for a body of observations of nature, while people often use it to mean a guess or speculation. b) A scientific theory is a hypothesis that needs to be tested, whereas people often use theory to mean a simple guess. c) A scientific theory is a statement that has been proven correct, while people often use it to mean a statement that has not yet been verified. d) A scientific theory is a random guess, while people often use it to mean a statement that is somewhat based in fact.
a) A scientific theory is a thoroughly tested set of explanations for a body of observations of nature, while people often use it to mean a guess or speculation.
Prior to 1800 in England, the typical moth of the species Biston betularia(peppered moth) had a light pattern. Dark colored moths were rare. By the late 19th century, the light-colored moths were rare, and the moths with dark patterns were abundant. The cause of this change was hypothesized to be selective predation by birds (J.W. Tutt, 1896). During the industrial revolution, soot and other wastes from industrial processes killed tree lichens and darkened tree trunks. Thus, prior to the pollution of the industrial revolution, dark moths stood out on light-colored trees and were vulnerable to predators. With the rise of pollution, however, the coloring of moths vulnerable to predators changed to light. Commonly used in biology textbooks, the peppered moth is a classic example of evolutionary change in action. The example describes changes in a population's allele frequencies-a small-scale change, evolutionarily speaking. The presence of both light and dark forms within the gene pool is demonstrated by the story, but the peppered moth stays a peppered moth. Which scenario, if it were to occur, would be a model for large-scale evolutionary change? a) Conditions change such that the dark form of the moth is favored and the light form is diminished in the population due to predation. Conditions change again, the dark form is vulnerable, and the light form returns to prevalence. b) Conditions change such that dark form of the moth is favored and the light form is diminished in the population due to predation. Conditions change again, and both forms have equal prevalence. c) Conditions change such that the dark form of the moth is favored and the light form is eradicated in the population due to predation. Conditions change again, the dark form is vulnerable, and the dark form is eradicated due to predation. d) Conditions change such that dark form of the moth is favored and the light form is eradicated in the population due to predation. Conditions change again, the dark form is vulnerable. It develops an adaptation that shields it from predation.
a) Conditions change such that the dark form of the moth is favored and the light form is diminished in the population due to predation. Conditions change again, the dark form is vulnerable, and the light form returns to prevalence.
Which of the following pieces of evidence illustrates evolution as an ongoing process? a) Ethnic Tibetans are unique among humans for having physiological mechanisms that help them live in places with low oxygen levels. b) Snakes have a moveable bone in their upper jaw, allowing them to swallow food larger than their head. c) Deer mice have a heritable variation for fur coloration that ranges from light to dark. d) A population of prairie chickens dropped from millions of birds in the 1800s to fewer than 50 birds in the early 1990s.
a) Ethnic Tibetans are unique among humans for having physiological mechanisms that help them live in places with low oxygen levels.
Which of the following pieces of evidence illustrates evolution as an ongoing process? a) In the 1940s, infections by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus could be treated with penicillin; today populations exist that are completely resistant. b) Marsupial mammals live in just a few places in the world today-Australia, South America, and part of North America. c) Some genes from the bacterium E. coli have sequences that are similar to genes found in humans. d) The fossil record shows that Rodhocetus, an aquatic mammal related to whales, had a type of ankle bone that is otherwise unique to a group of land animals.
a) In the 1940s, infections by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus could be treated with penicillin; today populations exist that are completely resistant.
With radioisotope dating, scientists have estimated that the rocks that contain the fossils of the earliest life forms on Earth, which look like bacteria, are 3.5 billion years old. For what aspect of evolutionary theory does this piece of evidence suggest support? a) Today's diversity of life has taken many millions of years to develop. b) There was a common ancestor for all species on Earth. c) The tendency for overreproduction in populations is a long-held pattern. d) Events that prompted evolutionary change in the distant past were different from events that prompt such change today.
a) Today's diversity of life has taken many millions of years to develop.
Why do scientists consider vestigial structures evidence for evolution? a) Vestigial structures are the result of common ancestry, so they are good evidence that different populations of organisms evolved from a common point. b) Vestigial structures are the result of convergent evolution, so they are good evidence for an end goal to evolution. c) Vestigial structures are the result of common ancestry, so they are good evidence for a common origin of all life. d) Vestigial structures are the result of convergent evolution, so they are good evidence that natural selection act similarly in similar environmental conditions.
a) Vestigial structures are the result of common ancestry, so they are good evidence that different populations of organisms evolved from a common point.
Biogeography is the study of biological species as they relate to geographical space and geological time. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs originated about 200 to 250 million years ago. Would you expect the geographic distribution of early dinosaur fossils to be broad (on many continents) or narrow (on one or a few continents)? Explain. a) broad because dinosaurs originated before the breakup of Pangaea b) broad because some dinosaurs could fly between continents c) narrow because they went extinct too quickly to disperse very far d) narrow because they lived so long ago that the fossils have mostly broken down or disappeared
a) broad because dinosaurs originated before the breakup of Pangaea
Genes important in the embryonic development of animals have been relatively well conserved during evolution. This means they are more similar among different species than many other genes. What explains this genetic conservation across animal species? a) Changes in the genes that are important to embryonic development have been relatively minor because not much time has elapsed since the divergence of the various animal taxa. b) Changes in the genes that are important to embryonic development have been relatively minor because mutational tweaking in the embryo has magnified consequences in the adult c) Changes in the genes that are important to embryonic development have been relatively minor because early embryos are very fragile and even small mutations can result in death d) Changes in the genes that are important to embryonic development have been relatively minor because there are no selective pressures on an individual before it is born
b) Changes in the genes that are important to embryonic development have been relatively minor because mutational tweaking in the embryo has magnified consequences in the adult
How do environmental conditions affect the selection of particular adaptations? Cite evidence to support your ideas. a) Environmental conditions make a particular trait to be favorable and prevalent in a population. For example, temperatures at which the eggs are incubated determine the sex of the individual in some organisms such as turtles. b) Environmental conditions identify a trait to be favorable or non-favorable. Favorable traits are selected and become more prevalent in a population. For example, an increase in the small bill size of finch population in Galapagos islands due to availability of soft-shelled seeds as a result of changing weather patterns. c) Environmental conditions identify a trait to be favorable or non-favorable. Favorable traits are selected and become more prevalent in a population. For example, temperatures at which the eggs are incubated determine the sex of the individual in some organisms such as turtles. d) Environmental conditions make a particular trait to be favorable and prevalent in a population. For example, increase in the small bill size of finch population in Galapagos islands due to availability of soft-shelled seeds as a result of changing weather patterns.
b) Environmental conditions identify a trait to be favorable or non-favorable. Favorable traits are selected and become more prevalent in a population. For example, an increase in the small bill size of finch population in Galapagos islands due to availability of soft-shelled seeds as a result of changing weather patterns.
Paleontologists have recovered a fossil for an organisms named Archaeopteryx. It has many features in common with reptiles, but, like birds, shows evidence of feathers. For what aspect of evolutionary theory does this piece of evidence suggest support? a) Modern species are distinct natural entities. b) Modern species share a common ancestor. c) Modern species have both convergent and divergent traits. d) Modern species are not currently evolving.
b) Modern species share a common ancestor.
What is the key difference between allopatric speciation and sympatric speciation? a) Restricted gene flow occurs in allopatric speciation whereas continuous gene flow occurs in sympatric speciation. b) Allopatric speciation occurs when new species form from parent species within the same geographical location whereas sympatric speciation occurs when a population becomes geographically isolated from its parent species. c) Allopatric speciation occurs when population becomes geographically isolated whereas in sympatric speciation, new species forms in the same geographical location as parent species. d) Allopatric speciation occurs in a narrow zone whereas sympatric association occurs in a large zone.
c) Allopatric speciation occurs when population becomes geographically isolated whereas in sympatric speciation, new species forms in the same geographical location as parent species.
Compare the way in which the present-day theory of evolution developed with the basic principles of the scientific method. What parallels do you see? Explain. a) Both Darwin and Wallace made observations, formulated a testable hypothesis, and conducted reproducible tests of that hypothesis b) Both Darwin and Wallace built upon existing knowledge as well as new observations and refuted past claims that turned out to be false c) Both Darwin and Wallace made reproducible observations, drew conclusions based on these observations, and communicated their results. d) Both Darwin and Wallace did repeated trials, controlled for extraneous factors, and had their results reviewed by peers in their field
c) Both Darwin and Wallace made reproducible observations, drew conclusions based on these observations, and communicated their results.
What do both rate of speciation models have in common? Explain. a) Both models require the influence of cataclysmic events which precipitate rapid adaptation and speciation b) Both models ignore the influence of gene flow for simplicity's sake. c) Both models conform to the rules of natural selection and the influences of gene flow, genetic drift, and mutation d) Both models apply only to island chains.
c) Both models conform to the rules of natural selection and the influences of gene flow, genetic drift, and mutation
Explain why the statement that 'a monkey is more evolved than a mouse' is incorrect. a) Mice are smaller, making them more specialized and therefore more evolved than monkeys. b) Monkeys and mice are equally evolved because they are both mammals. c) Monkeys and mice are equally evolved: they are adapted for different environments. d) Monkeys and mice are equally evolved: since they compete for food they force each other to evolve to keep up.
c) Monkeys and mice are equally evolved: they are adapted for different environments.
What role do prezygotic and postzygotic barriers play in speciation? a) Prezygotic and postzygotic barriers prevent migration of the two species, causing them to remain in contact with each other and begin to interbreed. b) Prezygotic and postzygotic barriers are present only in newly-formed species, allowing scientists to identify the time of divergence of the species. c) Prezygotic and postzygotic barriers prevent interbreeding of species such that there is no gene flow between them. d) Prezygotic and postzygotic barriers allow for the formation of less-fit hybrids that reinforces speciation.
c) Prezygotic and postzygotic barriers prevent interbreeding of species such that there is no gene flow between them.
Given your understanding of evolutionary theory and the relationship between evolution and the genetic makeup of populations, which statement is false? a) DNA sequence data would likely support any evolutionary tree drawn from anatomical data sets. b) Homologous characteristics that have evolved more recently are shared only within smaller groups of organisms. c) The degree of relatedness between groups of organisms is only sometimes reflected in the similarity of their DNA sequences. d) The genetic code is a homologous characteristic shared by all species because they share a common ancestor in the deep past.
c) The degree of relatedness between groups of organisms is only sometimes reflected in the similarity of their DNA sequences.
Given your understanding of evolutionary theory and the relationship between evolution and the genetic makeup of populations, which statement makes the most sense? a) The genome of the macaque is more similar to the mouse genome than the human genome. b) The genome of the macaque is equally divergent from the human genome and the mouse genome. c) The genome of the macaque is more similar to the human genome than the mouse genome. d) The genome of the macaque is equally similar to the human genome and the mouse genome.
c) The genome of the macaque is more similar to the human genome than the mouse genome.
The upper forelimbs of humans and cats have fairly similar structures. In contrast, the upper forelimbs of whales (their flippers) have bones with a different shape and proportion from both cats and humans. Interestingly, genetic data suggests that all three organisms have a common ancestor from about the same point in time. What is a likely explanation for these data? a) The shape of the whale forelimb arose a result of disadvantageous mutations b) Cats and humans are more closely related to each other than either are to whales. c) The whale flipper is an adaptive characteristic unique to its water environment. d) The whale flipper is a vestigial structure.
c) The whale flipper is an adaptive characteristic unique to its water environment.
What is the basic difference between things that are homologous and things that are analogous? a) Things that are analogous have the same function and things that are homologous have different functions. b) Things that are analogous are not a result of evolution, whereas things that are homologous are. c) Things that are analogous result from convergence and things that are homologous result from common ancestry d) Things that are analogous look similar and things that are homologous do not.
c) Things that are analogous result from convergence and things that are homologous result from common ancestry
Why do scientists consider vestigial structures evidence for evolution? a) Vestigial structures have same origin but different function, suggesting them to be evolved from a common point. b) Vestigial structures may or may not be useful, but have morphological similarities even in very different organisms, suggesting that different populations of organisms evolved from a common point. c) Vestigial structures may or may not be useful, but have anatomical similarities even in very different organisms, suggesting that different populations of organisms evolved from a common point. d) Vestigial structures have different origin, but same function, suggesting that natural selection can produce similar adaptations in two very different types of organisms who share a similar environment.
c) Vestigial structures may or may not be useful, but have anatomical similarities even in very different organisms, suggesting that different populations of organisms evolved from a common point.
A friend says: "Natural selection is about the survival of the very fittest in a population. The fittest are those that are strongest, largest, fastest." Would you agree with that statement? Explain. What evidence from scientific disciplines can you offer to support your agreement or your disagreement? a) The very fittest organisms are not necessarily the ones that survive. Sometimes it is the least fit organisms that survive and reproduce. For example, in one generation the mice who are bad at foraging for seeds may reproduce prolifically and dominate the mice who are good at foraging. In this case, natural selection will select for the less-fit phenotype and spread it in the population. b) The statement is true. If an organism is not strong and fast, it will not survive long enough to reproduce and pass on its genes, and if it is not large and fitter than the other individuals around it then it will not be able to compete for a mate. Many seal species, for example, have only a single male who gets to mate. He must be the very fittest seal to win all the females. c) What is meant by "fittest" is not necessarily strong, large, and fast. Fitness, as defined in evolutionary terms, has to do with survival and the reproduction of genetic material. For example, a small but showy male bird may be selected by female birds to reproduce, while a large but less colorful one is not. d) The definition of fitness is not correct. The strongest and fastest organisms are more fit than the weaker and slower ones, but large individuals are often at a disadvantage to smaller ones because they are easily spotted by predators. For example, a large rabbit will stick out on a field more than a small one and will get eaten by a hawk.
c) What is meant by "fittest" is not necessarily strong, large, and fast. Fitness, as defined in evolutionary terms, has to do with survival and the reproduction of genetic material. For example, a small but showy male bird may be selected by female birds to reproduce, while a large but less colorful one is not.
Each of the following observations comes from a different scientific discipline. Which is the best support for Darwin's concept of descent with modification? a) Ecologists provide evidence that species diversity increases closer to the equator. b) Zoologists provide evidence that fewer animal species live on islands than on nearby mainlands. c) Geologists provide evidence that earthquakes reshape life by causing mass extinctions. d) Botanists provide evidence that South American temperate plants have more in common with South American tropical plants than temperate plants from Europe.
d) Botanists provide evidence that South American temperate plants have more in common with South American tropical plants than temperate plants from Europe.
The selective breeding of plants and animals that possess desired traits is a process called artificial selection. For example, broccoli, cabbage, and kale are all vegetables that have been selected from one species of wild mustard. How is artificial selection both similar to and different from Darwin's conception of natural selection? Does artificial selection provide evidence for evolution by natural selection? Explain. a) Both artificial selection and natural selection are processes that result in better-adapted individuals within a species. In artificial selection, humans have actively modified plants and animals by selecting beneficial genes from other organisms and inserting them into the target organisms. In natural selection, natural processes such as mutations and viruses introduce new genes to a population b) Both artificial selection and natural selection are processes that cause organisms to be better adapted over time. In artificial selection, humans have trained animals to be more successful in completing tasks that the humans want completed. In natural selection, organisms train the functions that they will need to survive and reproduce c) Both artificial selection and natural selection are the differential reproduction of individual organisms with favored traits. In artificial selection, humans have actively modified plants and animals by selecting and breeding individuals with traits deemed desirable. In natural selection, the most successful individuals in a species are selected by the species to reproduce d) Both artificial selection and natural selection are the differential reproduction of individual organisms with favored traits. In artificial selection, humans have actively modified plants and animals by selecting and breeding individuals with traits deemed desirable. In natural selection, individuals are selected naturally as its traits deem it more fit for survival and reproduction
d) Both artificial selection and natural selection are the differential reproduction of individual organisms with favored traits. In artificial selection, humans have actively modified plants and animals by selecting and breeding individuals with traits deemed desirable. In natural selection, individuals are selected naturally as its traits deem it more fit for survival and reproduction
Evolution occurs slowly and gradually. Which statement is an appropriately evidence-based refinement of the statement above? a) Evolution occurs slowly and gradually some of the time. There are a few examples of slow and steady evolution-such as the gradual evolution of the modern whale from land-dwelling to ocean-dwelling. b) Evolution occurs slowly and gradually almost all of the time. There are many examples of slow and steady evolution-such as the gradual evolution of Equus ferus (modern horse). c) Evolution occurs slowly and gradually, but it is also thought to occur rapidly. While most evidence points to the gradual evolution of species, scientists feel confident that evidence of rapid evolution exists. d) Evolution occurs slowly and gradually, but it can also occur rapidly. In addition to gradual evolution of species, rapid evolutions are evidenced in drug-resistant strains of bacteria and other disease-causing organisms.
d) Evolution occurs slowly and gradually, but it can also occur rapidly. In addition to gradual evolution of species, rapid evolutions are evidenced in drug-resistant strains of bacteria and other disease-causing organisms.
Explain why genetic variation is a prerequisite for speciation. a) Genetic variation causes minor change in frequencies of allele resulting in speciation. b) Genetic variation causes gene migration, resulting in speciation c) Genetic variation is a prerequisite to genetic drift causing less impact on natural selection. d) Genetic variation is a prerequisite to natural selection as it leads to fitness differences.
d) Genetic variation is a prerequisite to natural selection as it leads to fitness differences.
Two amphibian species live in a pond habitat and are not known to interbreed. In a research study, the amphibians are introduced and found capable of producing viable, fertile offspring. What type of reproductive barrier likely keeps the species separate in their natural environment? Explain. a) It is likely to be a temporal barrier as the two species may encounter each other rarely in the habitat. b) It is likely to be reproductive organ incompatibility which is a type of Prezygotic barrier since species are able to produce viable and fertile offsprings. c) It is likely to be behavioral isolation which operates through difference in the courtship pattern which was not considered in the setting of the research study. d) It is likely to be a gametic barrier as the sperm of one species may not be able to fertilize the egg of another species.
d) It is likely to be a gametic barrier as the sperm of one species may not be able to fertilize the egg of another species.
Consider two species of birds that diverged while separated geographically but resumed their contact before reproductive isolation was complete. Which describes the first step in what would happen over time if the two species mated extensively and their hybrid offspring survived and reproduced more poorly than offspring from intra-species matings? a) The extensive mating between the species would continue to produce large numbers of hybrids. b) The production of unfit hybrids would increase and the speciation process would complete. c) The gene pools of the parent species would fuse over time, reversing the speciation process. d) Natural selection would cause prezygotic barriers to reproduction between the parent species to strengthen over time.
d) Natural selection would cause prezygotic barriers to reproduction between the parent species to strengthen over time.
In allopatric populations of two species of bird, males of the two species look very much alike. In sympatric populations of the same two species of bird, males of the two species look very different. Which describes the best plan for collecting data that would provide evidence for reproduction barriers between different species in the populations? a) Observe how frequently matings occur in both allopatric and sympatric populations. b) Observe whether there appears to be a hybrid zone between allopatric and sympatric populations. c) Observe whether allopatric females choose allopatric males and whether sympatric females choose sympatric males. d) Observe whether females make different choices about males from sympatric populations than they do about males from allopatric populations.
d) Observe whether females make different choices about males from sympatric populations than they do about males from allopatric populations.
In allopatric populations of two species of bird, males of the two species look very much alike. In sympatric populations of the same two species of bird, males of the two species look very different. If the observation is made that females choose sympatric males of their own species and allopatric males indiscriminately, what does this suggest? a) Reproductive barriers are stronger in allopatric populations. b) Reproductive barriers are not weaker or stronger in either set of populations. c) Reproductive barriers are weaker in sympatric populations. d) Reproductive barriers are stronger in sympatric populations.
d) Reproductive barriers are stronger in sympatric populations.
Compelling evidence for the theory of evolution comes from many scientific disciplines. Suppose paleontologists discovered a fossil of an extinct mammal that lived high in the Rocky Mountains. They write a scientific paper comparing the mammal to present-day mammals. Which of the following would you expect their comparison data to show? a) The extinct mammal closely resembles both present-day mammals from the North American prairies and present-day mammals that live high in African mountains. b) The extinct mammal resembles neither present-day mammals that live high in African mountains nor present-day mammals that live in the North American prairies. c) The extinct mammal more closely resembles present-day mammals that live high in African mountains than the present-day mammals that live in the North American prairies. d) The extinct mammal more closely resembles present-day mammals that live in the North American prairies than present-day mammals that live high in African mountains.
d) The extinct mammal more closely resembles present-day mammals that live in the North American prairies than present-day mammals that live high in African mountains.
Until recently, these three species of short-tailed pythons, Python curtus, Python brongersmai (middle), and Python breitensteini were considered one species. However, due to the different locations in which they are found, they have become three distinct species. What is this an example of? a) divergent evolution b) sympatric speciation c) variation d) allopatric speciation
d) allopatric speciation
