Chapter 12:
Evolution
Practice Test
1.
Of these, which is NOT part of Darwin's theory of natural selection?
a.
In nature, there is a tendency toward overproduction of offspring.
b.
Individuals with variations suitable for their environment have shorter lifespans and produce fewer offspring.
c.
Suitable variations in a population tend to be passed on, while unsuitable variations in a population are lost.
d.
Variations in any population exist and such variations are inherited.
Hint
2.
What is the process in which an organism uses the energy from chemical reactions to produce food?
a.
chemosynthesis
b.
aerobic respiration
c.
photosynthesis
d.
cellular respiration
Hint
3.
What type of rock are most fossils found in?
a.
metamorphic rock
b.
mineral ore
c.
sedimentary rock
d.
igneous rock
Hint
4.
What is the layer of gases in the atmosphere that protects Earth's surface from ultraviolet light?
a.
the hydrothermal layer
b.
the hydrogen layer
c.
the ozone layer
d.
the methane layer
Hint
5.
Which of the following provides evidence of evolution through direct observation?
a.
vestigial structures in whales
b.
fossils in sedimentary rock
c.
antibiotic resistance in bacteria
d.
homologous leg bones in horses and birds
Hint
6.
What is the term Darwin used to explain his theory of evolution?
a.
natural selection
b.
the survival of the fittest
c.
descent with modification
d.
artificial selection
Hint
7.
Another naturalist had ideas similar to Darwin's about evolution. In fact, Darwin presented both his ideas and those of __________ to a group of scientists.
a.
Alfred Wegener
b.
Alfred Wallace
c.
Thomas Malthus
d.
Charles Lyell
Hint
8.
What is the study of developing embryos?
a.
comparative biochemistry
b.
comparative embryology
c.
comparative anatomy
d.
selective breeding
Hint
9.
Dairy cow breeders select mother cows that produce large amounts of milk and breed them to produce more offspring. What is this an example of?
a.
comparative biochemistry
b.
natural selection
c.
the survival of the fittest
d.
artificial selection
Hint
10.
Farmers retain seed from the most productive wheat plants to plant the following year in their fields. What practice does this illustrate?
a.
natural selection
b.
comparative biochemistry
c.
comparative anatomy
d.
selective breeding
Hint
