Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains why phenomena occur, while a law describes how phenomena behave under certain conditions.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary source of genetic variation that drives evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Mutations in DNA

Question 3

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium equation is given by

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

where $$p$$ and $$q$$ represent the frequencies of two alleles. If a population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what does this indicate about the population?

Accepted Answer

Allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The similar body shapes of dolphins (mammals) and sharks (fish) due to adaptation to aquatic environments.

Question 5

A population of rock pocket mice lives on dark volcanic rock, while another population lives on light-colored sand. Over time, the mice on the volcanic rock have dark fur, while those on the sand have light fur. Which evolutionary mechanism best explains this pattern?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A small group of individuals colonizes a new area, resulting in a gene pool that differs from the original population.

Question 7

Which of the following is a postzygotic isolating mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid sterility

Question 8

Which of the following statements about allopatric speciation is correct?

Accepted Answer

It requires geographic isolation, which prevents gene flow between populations.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the fossil record is incomplete and biased?

Accepted Answer

Soft-bodied organisms are less likely to fossilize, and fossils are more likely to form in certain environments.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a condition required for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Small population size

Question 11

Which of the following best describes why RNA is thought to have been the first macromolecule in early protobionts?

Accepted Answer

RNA can both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions.

Question 12

Which of the following environmental changes is most closely associated with the mass extinction event that ended the Mesozoic Era?

Accepted Answer

A large asteroid impact causing global climate change

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of directional selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of moths where darker individuals become more common after industrial pollution darkens tree bark.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between gene flow and the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow involves the movement of alleles between established populations, while the founder effect involves the establishment of a new population by a small group.

Question 15

Which of the following is a prezygotic isolating mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Temporal isolation

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why DNA and proteins eventually replaced RNA as the main molecules for genetic information storage and catalysis in cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA is more chemically stable than RNA, and proteins are more versatile catalysts.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

The rapid evolution of many diverse species from a common ancestor when new ecological opportunities arise.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key feature of the Cenozoic Era?

Accepted Answer

Rise and diversification of mammals

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the Anthropocene?

Accepted Answer

A proposed new epoch marked by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems.

Question 20

A population has allele frequencies $$p = 0.7$$ and $$q = 0.3. $$According to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes in the next generation?

$$ 2pq = ? $$

Accepted Answer

$$ 2pq = 0.42 $$

Exam II Review Guidance: Evolution, Population Genetics, Speciation, and History of Life

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