Evolution Quiz

Name ______Date ______

Directions: Read each question carefully and choose the most correct answer.

Questions 1-4 refer to the following terms.

I.  Speciation

II.  Diversity

III.  Natural Selection

IV.  Adaptation

1.  The process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully.

a)  I only

b)  II only

c)  III only

d)  IV only

e)  I and II only

2.  The development of one or more species from existing species

a)  I only

b)  II only

c)  III only

d)  I and II only

e)  I and IV only

3.  An inherited characteristic that increases an organism’s chance of survival.

a)  I only

b)  II only

c)  III only

d)  IV only

e)  II and IV only

4.  Exemplified by the fact that a forest ecosystem contains post oak tree, yaupon holly, juniper, hackberry trees, and small shrubs.

a.  II only

b.  III only

c.  IV only

d.  I and II only

e.  I and IV only

5.  According to Darwin’s theory of evolution, differences found among the finches of the various Galapagos Islands are the result of

a.  The accumulation of characteristics acquired by the parents

b.  The disuse of specific body structure

c.  The size of the island where the finches live

d.  The movement of finches from one island to the next

e.  Natural selection

6.  All of the following statements are in agreement with Darwin’s theory of natural selection EXCEPT

a.  More offspring are produced that can possibly survive

b.  The organisms that are the fittest are always the largest and the strongest.

c.  There is competition for resources among offspring.

d.  There is variation among offspring.

e.  Organisms struggle to survive.

7.  All of the following statements describe natural selection EXCEPT

a.  it selects traits that decrease a species’ fitness

b.  It takes place without human control

c.  It acts on phenotypes in a population

d.  It is sometimes described as survival of the fittest

e.  It was described in a theory proposed by Charles Darwin

8.  Which statement best characterizes natural selection?

a.  Blind, random chance hitting upon lucky combinations

b.  The slow accumulation of adaptive mutations

c.  Absolute dependence on carbon-based biochemistry

9.  A morphological adaptation in which one species resembles another is called ______.

a.  Mimicry

b.  Camouflage

c.  Vestigial adaptation

d.  fitness

10. What evolutionary phenomena has occurred in these fishes?

a.  adaptive radiation

b.  coevolution

c.  cloning

d.  dependent evolution

SUSME (Supporting Urban Science and Math Educators) was developed with funding from the National Science Foundation.
Rev 6/10