Evolution/Classification Test Review - Biology
Examples of homologous structures are A) a dog's tail and a fish's tail B) a bee's eye and a fish's eye C) a porpoise's flipper and a hawk's wing D) a crab's claw and penguin's
C) a porpoise's flipper and a hawk's wing
According to the heterotroph hypothesis, the first life on Earth was able to A) feed upon carbohydrates produced by autotrophs B) synthesize its food from inorganic compounds C) feed upon available nutrients in the environment D) carry on photosynthesis instead of respiration
C) feed upon available nutrients in the environment
According to the heterotroph hypothesis, which gas was lacking in the atmosphere of primitive Earth? A) methane B) hydrogen C) oxygen D) ammonia
C) oxygen
If two animals mate and product viable, fertile offspring under natural conditions, we can conclude that A) for any given gene, they both have the same allele B) their blood types are compatible C) they are both from the same species D) they both have diploid somatic cells
C) they are both from the same species
23. Model I shows slow change, and model II show short abrupt change. Which evolutionary concepts are best represented by model I and model II? (1) Model I represents gradualism; model II represents punctuated equilibrium. (2) Model I represents punctuated equilibrium; model II represents gradualism. (3) Model I represents speciation; model II represents acquired characteristics. (4) Model I represents acquired characteristics; model II represents speciation.
(1) Model I represents gradualism; model II represents punctuated equilibrium.
34. Which of the following is not compared in order to clarify the evolutionary relationships among related organisms? (1) analogous structures (2) embryo development (3) protein-antibody reactions (4) DNA hybridization
(1) analogous structures
37. Two organisms can be considered to be of different species if they (1) cannot mate with each other and produce fertile offspring (2) live in two different geographical areas (3) mutate at different rates depending on their environment (4) have genes drawn from the same gene pool
(1) cannot mate with each other and produce fertile offspring
26. In the early stages of development, both chicken and pig embryos have gill slits, two-chambered hearts, and tails. This similarity suggests that chickens and pigs most probably: (1) have a common ancestor (2) carry on anaerobic respiration as adults (3) use gills for breathing during embryonic development (4) have inadequate circulation
(1) have a common ancestor
33. According to modern evolutionary theory, new traits that help a species survive in a particular environment will usually: (1) increase in frequency (2) decrease in frequency (3) not change in frequency (4) increase and decrease in frequency
(1) increase in frequency
19. The undisturbed upper layers of rocks usually contain fossils of organisms that are: (1) more complex than those found in the lower layers (2) less complex than those found in the lower layers (3) identical to those found in the lower layers (4) different from any other fossils found in the same layer
(1) more complex than those found in the lower layers
40. The scientific name of the dog is Canis familiaris and that of the coyote is Canis latrans. This indicates that both the dog and the coyote are members of the: (1) same genus but different species (2) same species but different genera (3) same genus but different classes (4) same species but different classes (5) same class but different genera
(1) same genus but different species
30. According to the heterotroph hypothesis, which change contributed most directly to the evolution of aerobic organisms? (1) the appearance of organisms able to carry on photosynthesis (2) an increase in fermentation by organisms in the soil (3) a decrease in the intensity of light from the sun (4) an increase in the concentration of hydrogen gas in the atmosphere
(1) the appearance of organisms able to carry on photosynthesis
31. Which statement best describes evolution? (1) Evolution is a predictable change from simple to complex organisms. (2) Evolution is a process of change through time. (3) Evolution often proceeds from complex to simpler organisms. (4) Evolution causes organisms to develop characteristics they need.
(2) Evolution is a process of change through time.
15. An athlete explains that his muscles have become well developed through daily activities of weight lifting. He believes that his offspring will inherit this trait of well developed muscles. This belief would be most in agreement with the theory set forth by: (1) Darwin (3) Weismann (2) Lamarck (4) Mendel
(2) Lamarck
27. The concept that, due to a need, organisms acquired the ability to move from an aquatic environment onto the land is most closely associated with a theory proposed by: (1) Weismann (3) Miller (2) Lamarck (4) Mendel
(2) Lamarck
21. In Yellowstone National Park, some species of algae and bacteria can survive and reproduce in hot springs at temperatures near the boiling point of water. The ability to survive and reproduce at these temperatures is an example of: (1) aggregate formation (2) adaptation (3) artificial selection (4) reproductive isolation
(2) adaptation
16. The leg structures of many different vertebrates are quite similar in number and location of bones. Most scientists would probably explain this on the basis of: (1) need of the organism (2) common ancestry (3) chance occurrence (4) inheritance of acquired traits
(2) common ancestry
2. The diagrams below represent the forelimbs of three different vertebrates. Which field of study, providing evidence for evolution, is represented by the similarity in bone structure among these three organisms? (1) comparative embryology (2) comparative anatomy (3) comparative physiology (4) comparative biochemistry
(2) comparative anatomy
6. A bird's developmental stages resemble those of a reptile. This observation is often used to illustrate the probable common ancestry of these organisms through the study of: (1) comparative biochemistry (2) comparative embryology (3) punctuated equilibrium (4) natural selection
(2) comparative embryology
10. Over a period of 28 million years, various genera of hoofed mammals called Titanotheres showed a continuous change in body and horn size before they eventually became extinct. This slow rate of evolutionary change is an example of: (1) punctuated equilibrium (2) gradualism (3) reproductive isolation (4) overproduction
(2) gradualism
14. According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, individuals who survive are most likely the ones best adapted to exist in their environment. Their survival is due to the: (1) possession of structures developed through use (2) possession of variations that maximize fitness (3) lack of competition within the species (4) ability to change their genotype
(2) possession of variations that maximize fitness
11. Over a long period of time the organisms on an island changed so that they could no longer interbreed with the organisms on a neighboring island. This inability to interbreed is known as: (1) hybridization (2) reproductive isolation (3) artificial selection (4) survival of the fittest
(2) reproductive isolation
7. Biochemical analysis has shown that hemoglobin molecules found in monkeys are very similar to those found in humans. Which concept is supported by this analysis? (1) Homologous structures exist in all vertebrates. (2) Embryonic development in humans and monkeys is identical. (3) Monkeys and humans have a common ancestor. (4) Invertebrates and vertebrates have a common ancestor.
(3) Monkeys and humans have a common ancestor.
4. A geologist finds fossils in each of the undisturbed rock layers represented in the diagram. The fossils are all structurally similar. Which is the most likely conclusion that the geologist would make? ROCK LAYER A ROCK LAYER B ROCK LAYER C ROCK LAYER D (1) All the fossils are the same age. (2) The relative ages of the fossils cannot be determined. (3) The fossils in rock layer D are older than those in A (4) The fossils in rock layer B are older than those in C
(3) The fossils in rock layer D are older than those in A
28. Charles Darwin proposed that organisms produce many more offspring than can possibly survive on the limited amount of resources available to them. According to Darwin, the offspring most likely to survive are those that: (1) are born first and grow fastest (2) are largest and most aggressive (3) are best adapted to the environment (4) have no natural predators
(3) are best adapted to the environment
3. If a fossil mammoth were discovered frozen in ice, its cells could be analyzed to determine whether its proteins were similar to those of the modern elephant. This type of investigation is known as comparative: (1) anatomy (3) biochemistry (2) embryology (4) ecology
(3) biochemistry
35. Antibodies for a cow's protein react strongly with proteins from a bison, moderately with protein from a moose, and weakly with proteins from a horse. This suggests that: (1) cows are more closely related to horses than they are to bison and moose (2) moose and horses evolved from a different common ancestor than cows and bison (3) cows are more closely related to bison than to moose and horses (4) moose are more closely related to bison and horses than they are to cows
(3) cows are more closely related to bison than to moose and horses
38. Which groups are arranged in correct descending order according to a modern classification system? (1) kingdom, genus, phylum, species (2) phylum, kingdom, species, genus (3) kingdom, phylum, genus, species (4) phylum, genus, species, kingdom
(3) kingdom, phylum, genus, species
18. According to the heterotroph hypothesis, which gas was absent in primitive Earth's atmosphere? (1) methane (3) molecular oxygen (2) ammonia (4) water vapor
(3) molecular oxygen
24. Which statement is not included as a part of the modern theory of evolution? (1) Sexual reproduction and mutation provide variation among organisms. (2) Traits are transmitted by genes and chromosomes. (3) More offspring are produced than can possibly survive. (4) New organs arise when they are needed.
(4) New organs arise when they are needed.
20. Based on Lamarck's theory, what is an explanation for the evolution of a tailless species of monkey from an ancestor that had a tail? (1) A gene for a tailless trait is dominant over a gene for a tailed trait. (2) A mutation occurred in the tailed species. (3) The tailless monkey did not overpopulate the inhabited area. (4) The tail was no longer needed to help the monkey escape predators.
(4) The tail was no longer needed to help the monkey escape predators.
36. Examples of vestigial structures include: (1) a seal's flipper and a penguin's wing (2) a duckbill platypus's bill and a duck's bill (3) a bat's foot and a human's foot (4) a human's appendix and a whale's hind limbs
(4) a human's appendix and a whale's hind limbs
8. According to modern evolutionary theory, the mechanism by which new species arise is based on a situation in which: (1) organisms of different phyla interbreed and produce fertile offspring (2) environmental conditions remain stable for long periods (3) individual organisms change drastically in a single lifetime (4) a series of mutations lead to changes in genetic structure
(4) a series of mutations lead to changes in genetic structure
1. Thyroxin synthesized by cattle has been used in the treatment of certain human thyroid disorders. Cattle also synthesize pepsin that is similar to the pepsin produced by humans. These facts provide evidence of evolution that support the concept of: (1) fossil formation (3) genetic dominance (2) reproductive isolation (4) common ancestry
(4) common ancestry
22. According to one theory, similarities in these embryos suggest common ancestry. As these embryos mature, they will most likely: (1) develop new organs according to the nutritional requirements of each organism (2) continue to closely resemble each other as adults (3) show no similarity as adults (4) develop the distinctive characteristics of their species
(4) develop the distinctive characteristics of their species
25. Which area of biology compares and attempts to explain the structural changes that have taken place in living things over millions of years, as well as those changes occurring today? (1) classification (3) physiology (2) reproduction (4) evolution
(4) evolution
5. Structural and physiological changes within a species occur over an extended period of time. These changes appear to be the product of the natural selection of favorable traits within that species. These statements best describe the concept of: (1) spontaneous mutation (3) homeostasis (2) reproductive isolation (4) evolution
(4) evolution
39. Ursus horribilis, the scientific name for the grizzly bear,refers to the bear's (1) kingdom and phylum (2) kingdom and species (3) genus and phylum (4) genus and species
(4) genus and species
9. The theory of continental drift states that Africa and South America were once a single land mass, but have drifted apart over millions of years. The "Old World" monkeys of Africa, although similar, show several genetic differences from the "New World" monkeys of South America. Which factor is probably the most important for maintaining these differences? (1) fossil records (3) comparative anatomy (2) use and disuse (4) geographic isolation
(4) geographic isolation
17. Favorable adaptations are genetic characteristics that (1) cannot be passed on to the next generation (2) are acquired by increased use of an organ (3) reduce an organism's chance of survival (4) improve an organism's chance of survival
(4) improve an organism's chance of survival
13. According to the theory of natural selection, genes responsible for new traits that are beneficial to the survival of a species in a particular environment will usually: (1) decrease suddenly in frequency (2) decrease gradually in frequency (3) not change in frequency (4) increase in frequency
(4) increase in frequency
The fossils in layer I resemble the fossils in layer II, although they are more complex. This observation suggests that: Fossil Layer 1 Fossil Layer 2 (1) all fossils belong to the same kingdom and phylum (2) simple forms of life may have evolved from more complex forms (3) many different organisms have similar proteins and enzymes (4) modern forms of life may have evolved from older forms
(4) modern forms of life may have evolved from older forms
12. In areas of the American Southwest, certain insect species are quickly becoming resistant to continuous applications of chemical insecticides. The increase in the number of insecticide-resistant species is due to: (1) inheritance of acquired traits (2) asexual reproduction (3) geographic isolation (4) natural selection
(4) natural selection
A graph related to evolution shows the population frequency of mice with small, medium, and large tails. This graph was most likely developed from data involving a study of the: (1) transmission of acquired traits (2) concept of punctuated equilibrium (3) concept of gradualism (4) variation within a species
(4) variation within a species
Organic evolution is best described as A) a process of change through time B) the movement of large landmass C) a process by which an organism becomes extinct D) the spontaneous formation of all species
A) a process of change through time
In the binomial system of nomenclature, which two classification groups provide the scientific name of an organism? A) genus and species B) kingdom and genus C) phylum and species D) kingdom and phylum
A) genus and species
Humans are similar in structure to the chimpanzee and the orangutan. possible explanation for this similarity is that A) humans and apes had a common ancestor B) apes are descended from humans C) humans are descended from apes D) early humans and apes lived in caves
A) humans and apes had a common ancestor
Which concept was not included in Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection? A) punctuated equilibrium B) overproduction of offspring C) struggle for existence D) survival of the fittest
A) punctuated equilibrium
Evolution can occur at different rates, however, for evolution to occur, there must be A) variations within a species B) asexual reproduction C) extinction of the species D) no change in the genes of an organism
A) variations within a species
When changes occur in the genes of sex cells, these changes A) only affect asexually reproducing organisms B) can be the basis for evolutionary change C) are always harmful to the offspring D) lead to mutations in the parent organism
B) can be the basis for evolutionary change
Which statement is in agreement with Darwin's theory of evolution? A) mutations are always beneficial B) more offspring are produced than can possibly survive C) the organisms that are the most fit are those with the greatest strength D) acquired characteristics are inherited
B) more offspring are produced than can possibly survive
The pattern of evolution that consists of long periods of stability interrupted by short periods of rapid change is A) parallel evolution B) punctuated equilibrium C) genetic drift D) gradualism
B) punctuated equilibrium
In the modern evolutionary theory, which factor least influences the pattern of evolution in a population? A) sexual reproduction B) use and disuse C) environmental change D) geographic isolation
B) use and disuse
Which is an example of evidence of evolution based on comparative biochemistry? A) The structure of a whale's flipper is similar to that of a human hand B) Both birds and bats have wings C) Human embryos have a tail-like structure at one stage in their development D) Sheep insulin can be substituted for human insulin
D) Sheep insulin can be substituted for human insulin
When a species includes organisms with a wide variety of traits, it is most likely that this species will have A) less success competing for resources B) limitless supplies of important resources, such as food and water C) a high proportion of individuals immune to genetic diseases D) a greater chance to survive if environmental conditions suddenly change
D) a greater chance to survive if environmental conditions suddenly change
Which of the following pairs of species are most distantly related? A) giraffe and squirrel B) human and dog C) grass and rosebush D) dog and bacteria
D) dog and bacteria
One assumption of the heterotroph hypothesis is that the primitive Earth was exceptionally hot with a rich supply of A) decomposers B) producer organism C) atmospheric oxygen D) energy
D) energy
Darwin's theory of evolution was not able to A) account for an increase in population B) understand competition among individuals in species C) explain selection of favorable traits D) explain the genetic basis for variation in populations
D) explain the genetic basis for variation in populations
Fossils are proof of evolution because they A) are old as the oldest rocks on the Earth B) may be formed in lava rock C) are composed of mineral substances D) may show a pattern of consecutive changes
D) may show a pattern of consecutive changes
In which group would there be the greatest similarity between members in terms of structure and function? A) kingdom B) genus C) phylum D) species
D) species
