Question 1

Evolution is said to violate the second law of thermodynamics.Which of the following statements best describes why this is not true?

Accepted Answer

The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy (disorder) in a closed system will always increase over time. However, the Earth is not a closed system and constantly receives an input of energy from the sun. This input of energy allows for complex forms of life to evolve without violating the second law of thermodynamics. Choices A, B, D, and E are incorrect because they do not directly address the input of energy from the sun that allows evolution to occur without violating the second law.

Question 2

It could be said that today's Australian marsupials and today's placental mammals have

Accepted Answer

Marsupials in Australia and placental mammals in other parts of the world have similar ecological niches and have evolved analogous features through convergent evolution, despite being distantly related phylogenetically.

Question 3

Which one of the following is not true about species that show convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The statement "Must be found in the same biogeographical region" is not true about species that show convergent evolution. While it is possible for convergent evolution to occur between species in the same biogeographical region, it is not a requirement. Convergent evolution can occur between species that are geographically separated but subject to similar selection pressures, such as marsupial mammals in Australia and placental mammals in other parts of the world.

Question 4

A biologist seeing a sign describing evolution as "just a theory" would think that

Accepted Answer

The statement "just a theory" implies that evolution is not well-supported or proven, but in reality, it is a theory that is supported with a tremendous amount of evidence from many different fields of science. Therefore, a biologist would see this sign as being inaccurate or misleading.

Question 5

After 35 generations (about 1 year's time),the two populations R and S were studied.Researchers found

Accepted Answer

The answer of After 35 generations (about 1 year's time),the...

Question 6

Which of the following is the best reason that the origin of species according to creation science should not be included in the curriculum of biology courses?

Accepted Answer

Creation science is not a scientifically testable theory, and therefore it does not fit into the curriculum of biology courses, which are based on scientific principles and evidence.

Question 7

When you compare Australian marsupials to placental mammals today

Accepted Answer

Australian marsupials have evolved to fill similar ecological niches as placental mammals, such as the kangaroo filling a similar niche as ungulates like deer or antelope. However, this does not necessarily mean that one group is more highly adapted or evolved than the other. Additionally, the statement about marsupial fossils looking similar to placental mammals today is incorrect, as the two groups have distinct morphological differences.

Question 8

The observation that different geographical areas sometimes exhibit plant and animal communities of similar appearance,even though the individual plants and animals are not closely related,is called

Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution refers to the process by which organisms with different evolutionary backgrounds independently evolve similar traits due to similar ecological pressures. This can often result in similar plant and animal communities across different geographical areas, even if the individual species are not closely related.

Question 9

The "scientific creationism" view includes all of the following beliefs except

Accepted Answer

The "scientific creationism" view does not include the belief that extinct species are replaced with new ones. Instead, they believe that all species were individually created and did not change from their original appearance.

Question 10

The marsupials in Australia closely resemble the placental animals of the rest of the world,which argues that parallel selection has occurred.This represents which of the following lines of evolutionary evidence?

Accepted Answer

The statement describes an example of convergent evolution, where unrelated organisms develop similar traits due to similar selection pressures in their environments. This is not a result of shared ancestry, as marsupials in Australia and placental mammals in the rest of the world are not closely related.

Question 11

Inhabitants of oceanic islands resemble forms of the nearest mainland but show some differences,which suggests that they have evolved from mainland migrants.This represents which of the following lines of evolutionary evidence?

Accepted Answer

Biogeography refers to the study of the distribution of living organisms and is therefore relevant to the observation that inhabitants of oceanic islands resemble forms from the nearest mainland with some differences, suggesting that they have evolved from mainland migrants. This is evidence of biogeographical patterns of evolution. The fossil record and homology are also lines of evidence in evolution, but they are not directly correlated with the observation described in the question. Convergent evolution refers to the process by which organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar traits, which is also not relevant to the observation described in the question. Development refers to the process of growth and differentiation of cells and tissues, and is not a line of evidence in evolution.

Question 12

Which of the reasons does not explain why "scientific creationism" cannot be considered a science?

Accepted Answer

The fact that only non-scientists believe it may cast doubt on its validity, but it is not a reason why it cannot be considered a science. The other options explain why scientific creationism fails to meet the criteria of a scientific theory.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. Australian marsupials and placental mammals of other continents have evolved similar adaptations independently, despite not being closely related.

Question 14

The pattern of wet years and dry years shown will probably move the population toward

Accepted Answer

The answer of The pattern of wet years and dry...

Question 15

Which statement best describes the correlation between beak depths of Geospiza fortis on the Galápagos island Daphne major and the dryness of the environment?

Accepted Answer

The study by Peter and Rosemary Grant found that during periods of drought, the available seeds were larger and harder, requiring birds with larger beaks to crack them open. As a result, birds with larger beaks were favored during dry years.

Question 16

Evidence for evolution includes all of the following except

Accepted Answer

Intelligent design is not considered evidence for evolution because it is a non-scientific concept that is not supported by empirical evidence.

Question 17

The convergence in form seen in sharks,tuna,and dolphins best relates to

Accepted Answer

The convergence in form seen in sharks, tuna, and dolphins is due to the similar selection pressures of living in aquatic environments, where the physical properties of water favor streamlined bodies for efficient swimming.

Question 18

A friend is trying to understand the concept of convergent evolution.Which one of the following statements best describes this concept?

Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution is the process in which two unrelated species living in different areas evolve or develop similar characteristics or traits due to natural selection. This happens because they occupy similar ecological niches or face similar environmental challenges, and natural selection favors the evolution of similar traits that enable them to survive and reproduce. It does not involve reproductive isolation, reestablishment, or competition for the same resource.

Question 19

A major implication of this study of Drosophila is

Accepted Answer

The study of Drosophila suggests that significant genetic variation can exist within a population, but it may not become apparent unless there is strong selective pressure that brings it to the forefront.

Quiz 21: The Evidence for Evolution