1. Who is often referred to as the father of the theory of evolution by natural selection?
Answer:
Explanation:
Charles Darwin, along with Alfred Russel Wallace, proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
2. The term "survival of the fittest" was coined by:
Answer:
Explanation:
Herbert Spencer introduced the phrase "survival of the fittest" after reading Darwin's work.
3. Which of the following is evidence for evolution from embryology?
Answer:
Explanation:
Similar stages in embryonic development across different species provide evidence for common ancestry.
4. Which concept states that some evolutionary changes occur in rapid bursts followed by periods of stability?
Answer:
Explanation:
Punctuated equilibrium suggests that species remain stable for long periods, interrupted by rapid evolutionary changes.
5. The hind limbs of whales are an example of:
Answer:
Explanation:
Vestigial organs are remnants of structures that served a purpose in the organism's ancestors.
6. Birds and bats have similar wing structures due to:
Answer:
Explanation:
Convergent evolution leads to unrelated species developing similar structures due to similar environmental challenges.
7. The theory that life originated from non-living matter is called:
Answer:
Explanation:
Abiogenesis posits that life originated from simple organic compounds.
8. Who proposed the idea that the use and disuse of organs could be passed on to offspring?
Answer:
Explanation:
Lamarck proposed the idea of inheritance of acquired characteristics, although it has been largely discredited.
9. The structure that serves different functions but has a similar evolutionary origin is called:
Answer:
Explanation:
Homologous structures have a common evolutionary origin but may serve different functions in different organisms.
10. Which term describes when two species evolve in response to changes in each other?
Answer:
Explanation:
Co-evolution is when species influence each other's evolutionary pathways.
11. What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle describe?
Answer:
Explanation:
The Hardy-Weinberg principle describes conditions under which allele frequencies remain constant.
12. Which mechanism of evolution occurs due to random changes in allele frequencies?
Answer:
Explanation:
Genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations.
13. The concept that evolution functions to increase the reproductive success of an organism is known as:
Answer:
Explanation:
In evolutionary biology, fitness refers to the ability to reproduce and pass on genes.
14. Which process leads to the formation of new species?
Answer:
Explanation:
Speciation is the evolutionary process by which new biological species arise.
15. The geographic distribution of organisms on Earth is studied under:
Answer:
Explanation:
Biogeography studies the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.
16. Which era is known as the "Age of Reptiles"?
Answer:
Explanation:
The Mesozoic era is often referred to as the "Age of Reptiles" due to the dominance of dinosaurs.
17. What do Darwin's finches illustrate?
Answer:
Explanation:
Darwin's finches are an example of divergent evolution, where one ancestral species diversified into several new species.
18. The branch of biology that studies the fossil record is:
Answer:
Explanation:
Paleontology deals with the study of fossils and provides evidence for evolutionary change.
19. The phenomenon where two species evolve to resemble one another is called:
Answer:
Explanation:
Mimicry involves one species evolving to resemble another, often for protective purposes.
20. What is the ultimate source of genetic variation in a population?
Answer:
Explanation:
Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can be acted upon by natural selection.