Question 1

In a survey of lice populations it is found that lice in one region of the country have never evolved resistance to permethrin. What might explain this? -The winters are colder and so lice die from cold instead. -The variation of permethrin resistance does not exist in the lice population of that region. -Residents of the area use large quantities of permethrin. -There are fewer school children in that region of the country.

Accepted Answer

The variation of permethrin resistance does not exist in the lice population of that region.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes why the process of evolution is easier to study in fruit flies than in birds?   Fruit flies have a much shorter generation time than birds.  Fruit flies don\'t live as long as birds.  Fruit flies are smaller than birds.  Fruit flies have a simpler diet than birds.

Accepted Answer

Fruit flies have a much shorter generation time than birds.

Question 3

A scientist would like to design a study that would allow her to see evolution occur in a population of living things. Which of the following would be the most important consideration in designing the study? The population should have a large number of members.  The organism should have a short generation time.  The organism should be large enough to see under the microscope.  The organism should have traits that can be measured in some way

Accepted Answer

The organism should have a short generation time.

Question 4

Which of the following changes is an example of biological evolution? In the last 50 years, the average height of 14-year-old boys has increased by 14%.  When a person swallows polio vaccine, he or she is immune to polio virus.  Diabetes in older Americans is more common than it used to be.  Many kinds of bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.

Accepted Answer

Many kinds of bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.

Question 5

Individuals who object to \"Darwinism\" often are objecting to the idea of ________.   genes that can undergo mutation  populations changing over time  change that is acquired during an individual\'s lifetime being passed on to offspring  descent from a common ancestor

Accepted Answer

descent from a common ancestor

Question 6

Most biologists would agree that the statement \"All modern organisms derive from a single common ancestor\" is ________.   a tentative hypothesis  one of several equally likely hypotheses about the origin of modern organisms  a statement of faith  an accepted scientific theory

Accepted Answer

an accepted scientific theory

Question 7

Lamarck\'s ideas about evolution differed from Darwin\'s ideas in that ________.   Lamarck proposed that simple forms of life are created by spontaneous generation  Lamarck proposed that organisms might become simpler or more complex depending on their environment  Lamarck proposed that organisms became more complex over time and that the traits they developed could be passed on to their offspring  Lamarck proposed that organisms could change time in response to changes in their environments

Accepted Answer

Lamarck proposed that organisms became more complex over time and that the traits they developed could be passed on to their offspring

Question 8

What is the role of geology in the theory of common descent?   Geology provides evidence that Earth is very old and constantly changing.  Geology provides evidence as to why certain types of fossils are hard to find.  Geology provides evidence for climate history on islands.  Geology provides evidence for the exact location of the evolution of modern humans.

Accepted Answer

Geology provides evidence that Earth is very old and constantly changing.

Question 9

Which of the following best expresses why special creation is not considered a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on earth?   Scientists are committed to defending biological evolution against any competing theory.  Special creation is an old theory, so it could not be true anymore.  Most scientists are atheists and so reject the hypothesis of a creative force.  Special creation involves a supernatural creator, which is not observable or measurable in the material universe.

Accepted Answer

Special creation involves a supernatural creator, which is not observable or measurable in the material universe.

Question 10

Who was Charles Darwin?   the first modern evolutionist who proposed that traits of individuals could be passed to their offspring.  an influential botanist who published in the early 20th century  an English naturalist who traveled the world in the early 19th century  a Swedish physician who developed a classification system

Accepted Answer

an English naturalist who traveled the world in the early 19th century

Question 11

Which of the following describes the transformation hypothesis of evolution?   Species arise separately and change over time in order to adapt to a changing environment.  Species change over time and new species can arise. All species derive from a common ancestor.  Species arise separately and do not change over time.  Species change over time and new species can arise, but not from a common ancestor.

Accepted Answer

Species arise separately and change over time in order to adapt to a changing environment.

Question 12

Branch points in an evolutionary tree refer to ________.   modern species that gave rise to new species  ancestral species from which more recent species are derived  a mating between two different species  extinct species that did not give rise to any new species

Accepted Answer

ancestral species from which more recent species are derived

Question 13

Which of the following groupings is the most appropriate according to the classification system developed by Linnaeus?   Group 1: whale, giant fruit bat, giant walking stick (an insect) Group 2: penguin, ostrich, human Group 3: hummingbird, bee, water strider bug  Group 1: penguin, water strider bug, whale Group 2: ostrich, giant walking stick (an insect), human Group 3: hummingbird, bee, giant fruit bat  Group 1: hummingbird, ostrich, bee Group 2: whale, human, penguin Group 3: giant walking stick (an insect), water strider bug, giant fruit bat  Group 1: penguin, ostrich, hummingbird Group 2: water strider bug, giant walking stick (an insect) Group 3: whale, human, giant fruit bat

Accepted Answer

Group 1: penguin, ostrich, hummingbird Group 2: water strider bug, giant walking stick (an insect) Group 3: whale, human, giant fruit bat

Question 14

Which of the following statements would be true of two species that have descended from a common ancestor?   Those species would have many shared physical characteristics.  Those species would have DNA sequences in common.  Those species would still exist on Earth today.  Those species would have few anatomical features in common.

Accepted Answer

Those species would have DNA sequences in common.

Question 15

Paleontologists excavating an area that was once a shallow lake find fossils of two extinct species that were ancestors to modern horses. Why would scientists look for animal fossils in areas that were once near shallow water?   Animal remains are often trapped and buried in sediments near bodies of water.  Many animals can\'t swim, so their remains are more likely to be found near bodies of water.  Animals near the water would have been trapped during a catastrophic flood.  Fossils form better in shallow water because there is more sunlight.

Accepted Answer

Animal remains are often trapped and buried in sediments near bodies of water.

Question 16

What level of classification is the distinction Mammalia?   family  class  kingdom  phylum

Accepted Answer

class

Question 17

In what type of gene would you expect to find the greatest homology between cows and mice?   in genes involved in hair growth  in genes involved in bone structure  in genes involved in DNA replication  in genes involved in food digestion

Accepted Answer

in genes involved in DNA replication

Question 18

In what way is the theory of common ancestry supported by this figure? (shows pictures of these things below hands) bats, sea lions, lions, chipanzees, humans   It shows that anatomy is related to function.  It shows that many kinds of organisms have bones.  It shows vestigial structures in mammals.  It shows a similar arrangement of bones in limbs of very different function.

Accepted Answer

It shows a similar arrangement of bones in limbs of very different function.

Question 19

According to biogeography, prickly pear cactus on a tropical island should ________.   be completely different from prickly pear cactus on a nearby mainland  be completely different from prickly pear cactus in any other location  be the same as prickly pear cactus on any other tropical island  resemble some of the prickly pear cactus that is found on a nearby mainland

Accepted Answer

resemble some of the prickly pear cactus that is found on a nearby mainland

Question 20

What do the similarities between human, chicken, and snake embryos suggest?   Adult humans, birds, and snakes once shared many more structural features.  Mammals and birds derive from a different common ancestor than reptiles.  Humans, birds, and snakes all share a large percentage of DNA.  Mammals, birds, and reptiles all derive from a single common ancestor.

Accepted Answer

Mammals, birds, and reptiles all derive from a single common ancestor.

Question 21

What type of study is most appropriate for determining the time at which a common ancestor to humans and chimpanzees lived?   comparing embryonic development between humans and chimpanzees  comparing DNA sequences between humans and chimpanzees  comparing homologous structures in humans and chimpanzees  comparing vestigial structures in humans to structures in chimpanzees

Accepted Answer

comparing DNA sequences between humans and chimpanzees

Question 22

What can you conclude from the evolutionary tree shown below? Homo sapiens evolved before Homo neanderthalensis.  Homo erectus is more closely related to modern humans than Homo habilis is related to modern humans.  Ardepithecus ramidus is the missing link between humans and chimpanzees.  The population of Homo erectus was larger than the population of Paranthropus boisei.

Accepted Answer

Homo erectus is more closely related to modern humans than Homo habilis is related to modern humans.

Question 23

Why is the classification system of Linnaeus still used today?   Linnaeus was familiar with Darwin\'s ideas and incorporated them into his system.  Linnaeus\'s belief in special creation allowed him to develop an effective system for grouping organisms.  Linnaeus used Latin to name organisms and so there is no bias toward a current language.  The structural relationships used by Linnaeus are highly related to the evolutionary relationships between organisms.

Accepted Answer

The structural relationships used by Linnaeus are highly related to the evolutionary relationships between organisms.

Question 24

Many generations have passed since the most recent common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees lived. Which of the following characteristics would this common ancestor (or missing link) be likely to have?   foramen magnum at base of skull  large brain case  larger arms than legs  pelvis modified for upright stance

Accepted Answer

larger arms than legs

Question 25

What is a hominin?   any primate  a human or great ape  a human or human ancestor  any bipedal mammal

Accepted Answer

human or human ancestor

Question 26

Which of the following is the narrowest classification level that includes both humans and apes?   order  family  genus  kingdom

Accepted Answer

family

Question 27

Similarities between humans and apes can be seen ________.   In DNA, development, and adult anatomy  in development and adult anatomy but not in DNA  In DNA and development but not adult anatomy  in DNA but not in development or adult anatomy

Accepted Answer

In DNA, development, and adult anatomy

Question 28

How do scientists determine the dates of fossils?   isolate DNA from the fossil and see the extent of damage to the DNA  measure the ratio of a radioactive element to the decay products  determine the ratio of carbon to other elements in the fossil  determine the ratio of rock to bone in the fossil

Accepted Answer

measure the ratio of a radioactive element to the decay products

Question 29

The tree diagram below shows the evolutionary relationships among several primates. Which of the following statements is true according to the diagram? Squirrel monkeys are not related to gorillas.  Orangutans are less closely related to bonobos than to gorillas.  Humans are more closely related to orangutans than to gorillas.  Humans are more closely related to bonobos than to common chimpanzees.

Accepted Answer

Orangutans are less closely related to bonobos than to gorillas.

Question 30

Which of the following statements represents evidence that supports the theory of common descent but specifically contradicts the hypothesis of separate types?   The fossil record provides copious unequivocal evidence that the species that inhabit Earth have changed dramatically over time.  Many genes found in humans are also found in yeast and they perform the same function in yeast that they do in humans.  The fossil record provides substantial evidence that humans and chimps share a common ancestor.  Radiometric dating methods show that Earth is billions of years old.

Accepted Answer

Many genes found in humans are also found in yeast and they perform the same function in yeast that they do in humans.

Question 31

How do genetic engineering techniques lend support to the theory of common descent?   Genes from one organism can be moved to a very different organism and still code for the same protein.  All organisms can be shown to make proteins.  DNA sequencing shows that mutations can change the sequence of a gene during the course of an organism\'s lifetime.  Genes that code for similar proteins can be shown to have a similar sequence.

Accepted Answer

Genes from one organism can be moved to a very different organism and still code for the same protein.

Question 32

The nonfunctional wings of an ostrich are an example of what sort of evidence for the theory of common descent?   DNA similarity  shared developmental pathways  vestigial structures  homologous structures

Accepted Answer

vestigial structures

Question 33

Which of the following observations of species distribution across Earth support the theory of common descent?   All continents contain nearly identical organisms.  One can see similarities in organisms that are found in close proximity, but each population has adaptations that suit the organisms to their particular habitat.  There are very few similarities among life forms on different tropical islands.  Each part of Earth contains life forms perfectly designed for that region.

Accepted Answer

One can see similarities in organisms that are found in close proximity, but each population has adaptations that suit the organisms to their particular habitat.

Question 34

Common descent is referred to as a theory because   it\'s an idea from more than 100 years ago and thus is not a modern idea.  it\'s the only idea about life on Earth that can be tested by observation of the material universe.  there is overwhelming evidence to support it from many areas of biology.  scientists are reasonably sure it\'s true, but there\'s little evidence to support it.

Accepted Answer

there is overwhelming evidence to support it from many areas of biology.

Question 35

Which of these species is most likely to share the greatest percentage of DNA with humans?   blue jay  beaver  dragonfly  leopard frog

Accepted Answer

beaver

Question 36

What is the molecular clock?   The rate at which new discoveries are made about gene homology.  The rate at which new species diverge from ancestral species.  The rate at which structures no longer needed become small and insignificant.  The rate at which mutations accumulate in DNA within a species.

Accepted Answer

The rate at which mutations accumulate in DNA within a species.

Question 37

Why is the separate types hypothesis considered so unlikely by most biologists?   The separate types model hypothesizes many changes in living things over time, while the fossil record suggests that few of these changes have occurred.  The similarity in appearance in many living things suggests that there must have been only one common ancestor.  If different types of life evolved independently, it would be obvious in the fossil record.  There are multiple similarities in all life at the cellular level that strongly suggest a common origin for all living things.

Accepted Answer

There are multiple similarities in all life at the cellular level that strongly suggest a common origin for all living things.

Question 38

True or false: Almost as much evidence exists to support the hypothesis of transformation as the theory of common descent.   True  False

Accepted Answer

False

Question 39

he hypothesis of one common ancestor for all life is best supported by the fact that   embryonic development is similar for all chordates.  species in some groups have homologous anatomical structures.  species in similar geographic locations show structural similarities.  DNA sequences from bacteria can be transferred to plants and other organisms.

Accepted Answer

DNA sequences from bacteria can be transferred to plants and other organisms

Question 40

What aspect of the geology of the GalÃ¡pagos was important in producing the diversity of organisms seen by Darwin?   there are no mammals on the islands  the islands are very dry  the islands are in a chain  the islands are in the Pacific

Accepted Answer

he islands are in a chain

Question 41

What was the original purpose of the voyage of the HMS Beagle?   to gather physical evidence in support of the theory of evolution  to add to the general knowledge of the animals and plants on Earth  to chart the coast and harbors of South America  to do experiments to test Lamarck\'s view of inheritance of acquired characteristics

Accepted Answer

to chart the coast and harbors of South America

Question 42

How did the geologist Charles Lyell influence Darwin?   He proposed a theory about how small islands were formed.  He suggested that slow, gradual changes shaped the features of Earth.  He provided evidence that Earth was really only about 10,000 years old.  He charted the currents found off the Pacific coast of South America.

Accepted Answer

He suggested that slow, gradual changes shaped the features of Earth.

Question 43

What was Lamarck\'s idea about how organisms changed?   He proposed that variations in populations were selected by the environment.  He proposed that body parts increased or decreased as a result of extra use or disuse.  He proposed that all organisms were unchanging over time.  He proposed that humans evolved from fish.

Accepted Answer

He proposed that body parts increased or decreased as a result of extra use or disuse.

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of a nonevolutionary change in a population?   plants in a dry climate that have faster-growing roots than plants found there 20 years ago  after decreases in airborne soot, a change in the most common color of moths  an increase in the number of people diagnosed with colon cancer  an increase in mosquitoes that are resistant to insecticide

Accepted Answer

an increase in the number of people diagnosed with colon cancer

Question 45

Which of the following is what scientists mean when they use the term theory?   ideas which are so obviously true that they don\'t need to be tested  a set of findings that are supported by repeated testing  a hypothesis that seems logical but cannot be tested because it\'s impractical to do so  a hypothesis that has not yet been tested

Accepted Answer

a set of findings that are supported by repeated testing

Question 46

In the figure, the branching points of the tree represent   a modern species.  the origin of a new species from an ancestral form.  an extinct species.  a common ancestor of a group of modern species.

Accepted Answer

the origin of a new species from an ancestral form.

Question 47

What causes the disease tuberculosis?   a particular type of bacteria  genetics  a particular type of virus  exposure to polluted air

Accepted Answer

particular type of bacteria

Question 48

How is tuberculosis transmitted?   by sneezes  by contaminated food  by sexual contact  by infected blood products

Accepted Answer

by sneezes

Question 49

Why have public health officials once again become very concerned about tuberculosis in the 21st century?   It is a disease that can lie dormant for months.  Most individuals can fight off active infection from tuberculosis.  Antibiotic-resistant strains of tuberculosis are on the rise.  M. tuberculosis is difficult to grow in the lab.

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic-resistant strains of tuberculosis are on the rise.

Question 50

What fraction of the world\'s population are carriers of tuberculosis?   1/50  1/4  1/100  1/3

Accepted Answer

1/3

Question 51

Which of the following describes what happens when Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects humans?   The bacteria invade patients\' liver cells, ultimately causing liver cancer.  Most patients never develop symptoms, but about 10% of infected people develop serious, prolonged lung disease.  The bacteria destroys lung tissue and most patients die rapidly.  Patients\' immune systems stop functioning and they get many infections.

Accepted Answer

Most patients never develop symptoms, but about 10% of infected people develop serious, prolonged lung disease.

Question 52

What is the source of variation in a population?   environmental change  the diversity of the food supply  spontaneous mutations  artificial selection

Accepted Answer

spontaneous mutations

Question 53

Snakes are reptiles. Most reptiles have limbs. Which of the following statements most logically describes the probable relationship between snakes and limbed reptiles?   Since snakes are simpler they must have evolved first, and limbs in other reptiles appeared later.  Some reptiles needed a new way of living so they got rid of their legs and became snakes.  There must have been some environment in which being legless was an advantage, and it was in that way snakes evolved from limbed reptiles.  Snakes look more like worms, so they are worms that evolved into reptiles separately from all other reptiles.

Accepted Answer

There must have been some environment in which being legless was an advantage, and it was in that way snakes evolved from limbed reptiles.

Question 54

Which of the choices below corrects the following statement: Dinosaurs didn\'t know how to adapt to climate change so they became extinct.   It should read: Dinosaurs had to become extinct so mammals could evolve.  It should read: Dinosaurs evolved into birds so they would not become extinct.  It should read: No dinosaurs possessed adaptations that allowed them to survive new climate conditions so they became extinct.  It should read: Dinosaurs were too busy eating each other to adapt so they became extinct.

Accepted Answer

It should read: No dinosaurs possessed adaptations that allowed them to survive new climate conditions so they became extinct.

Question 55

Why are misunderstandings of how natural selection works so common?   because people think that natural selection leads to perfect adaptations  because most people don\'t understand how genes are responsible for traits  because people understand that natural selection cannot cause new traits to arise  because people think that natural selection is no longer acting on living things

Accepted Answer

because people think that natural selection leads to perfect adaptations

Question 56

When Darwin was developing his ideas about natural selection there was one area in which he had limited understanding. What was it?   a lack of understanding about how organisms reproduce  a lack of understanding about the laws of population growth  a lack of understanding about how to recognize variation in a population  a lack of understanding about how variation was passed on to offspring

Accepted Answer

a lack of understanding about how variation was passed on to offspring

Question 57

Misunderstandings of how natural selection produces evolution are common. Which of the following statements represents a common misunderstanding of how natural selection works?   Polar bears will have to adapt to warming temperatures if they are to survive.  Resistance to antibiotics existed in bacteria before the widespread use of antibiotics.  Ducks that are well adapted to current conditions in a local pond might not be adapted to future environmental changes.  Natural selection only acts on traits present in the community.

Accepted Answer

Polar bears will have to adapt to warming temperatures if they are to survive.

Question 58

You wish to replicate the experiment with fruit flies and alcohol. You expose some flies to alcohol and they all die. Which of the following is the most likely reason your experiment was not successful?   You exposed the flies to alcohol too rapidly for them to adapt to the change.  You started with such a small population of flies that none of the flies had the tolerance allele.  The flies were already resistant to alcohol.  You did not use enough alcohol.

Accepted Answer

You started with such a small population of flies that none of the flies had the tolerance allele.

Question 59

A population of foxes lives in an area in which the average winter temperature has been dropping for several years. Which adaptation would be most likely?   thicker fur  longer hibernation  more fat deposited around vital organs  The exact adaptation cannot be predicted since it depends on the genetic variation present in the population.

Accepted Answer

The exact adaptation cannot be predicted since it depends on the genetic variation present in the population.

Question 60

Birth weight of humans babies is a result of ________.   stabilizing selection  directional selection  diversifying selection  artificial selection

Accepted Answer

stabilizing selection

Question 61

How do bacterial mutations make bacteria resistant to antibiotics?   The mutation either disables or counteracts the antibiotic so the bacteria can live in the presence of antibiotics.  The mutation forces the antibiotic to kill other kinds of bacteria and ignore the mutated bacteria.  The mutations change the bacteria to a species that is not killed by the antibiotic.  The mutation causes the bacteria to move to another part of the body where the antibiotic is not present.

Accepted Answer

The mutation either disables or counteracts the antibiotic so the bacteria can live in the presence of antibiotics.

Question 62

What is an allele?   a particular version of a gene  a trait that has been influence by artificial selection  a gene that hasn\'t changed over time  a gene that has been changed by natural selection

Accepted Answer

a particular version of a gene

Question 63

You are culturing bacteria from a source that has never been exposed to antibiotic. Could any bacteria in the population have the trait of resistance?   It is possible, but not definite, that some bacteria in the culture have the trait even without exposure.  The bacteria will either be 100% sensitive or 100% resistant.  No, without exposure to antibiotics the trait of resistance doesn\'t occur.  Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide phenomenon so there will definitely be resistant bacteria.

Accepted Answer

It is possible, but not definite, that some bacteria in the culture have the trait even without exposure.

Question 64

Which of the following statements best summarizes the strategy behind combination drug therapy?   A greater number of microorganisms can be affected if more drugs are used.  A greater number of changes are required in genetic material for resistance to develop if a greater number of drugs are used.  There are fewer chances of damage to any particular organ of the body if different drugs are used.  There are fewer side effects to the patient if more drugs are used at lower dosages

Accepted Answer

A greater number of changes are required in genetic material for resistance to develop if a greater number of drugs are used.

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