Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'descent with modification' as proposed by Charles Darwin?

Accepted Answer

All organisms are related by descent from a common ancestor, and accumulate differences as they adapt to different environments.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a homologous structure, and what does it indicate about evolutionary relationships?

Accepted Answer

The forelimbs of a human, cat, whale, and bat; they indicate common ancestry.

Question 3

According to Darwin’s observations, what is the primary mechanism that drives the accumulation of favorable traits in a population over generations?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 4

Which scientist’s work on population growth influenced Darwin’s ideas about the struggle for existence?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Malthus

Question 5

A population of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic. After several generations, most bacteria are resistant. Which statement best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria with pre-existing resistance genes survived and reproduced, increasing the frequency of resistance.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about natural selection is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Individuals evolve new traits in response to environmental changes.

Question 7

The fossil record shows that Pakicetus, an early cetacean, closely resembles Diacodexis, an early even-toed ungulate. What does this suggest about the evolutionary history of whales?

Accepted Answer

Whales share a common ancestor with even-toed ungulates.

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates the process of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

The breeding of wild mustard to produce cabbage, broccoli, and kale.

Question 9

Which of the following is a vestigial structure, and what does its presence indicate?

Accepted Answer

The pelvis and leg bones in some snakes; they indicate descent from ancestors with legs.

Question 10

Which of the following scenarios is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The similar body shapes of the sugar glider (Australia) and the flying squirrel (North America).

Question 11

A scientist finds a fossil in a lower stratum of sedimentary rock. What can she infer about the age of the fossil compared to fossils found in higher strata?

Accepted Answer

The fossil is likely older than those in higher strata.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence that supports the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

The presence of identical species on all continents

Question 13

Why did Darwin reason that the Earth must be much older than a few thousand years?

Accepted Answer

Because slow, continuous geological processes require vast amounts of time to produce significant changes.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why soapberry bugs in Florida evolved shorter beaks after the introduction of golden rain trees?

Accepted Answer

Shorter beaks were already present in the population and became more common because they were better suited for feeding on the new fruit.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct interpretation of an evolutionary tree?

Accepted Answer

The most recent common ancestor is found at the fork where two lines diverge.

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

$$p^2 + 2pq$$ + $$q^2 = 1$

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a molecular homology?

Accepted Answer

The genetic code shared by all living organisms.

Question 18

Why is the study of biogeography important for understanding evolution?

Accepted Answer

It provides evidence for evolution by showing how species distributions are influenced by continental drift and historical events.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Accepted Answer

Homologous structures arise from common ancestry, while analogous structures arise from convergent evolution.

Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life (Chapter 22 Study Notes)

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