Question 1

In the 1940s, the scientist J. B. S. Haldane linked many human red blood cell disorders with the tropical regions where malaria occurs. 
Haldane hypothesized that the widespread presence of these red blood cell disorders as well as traits that protect individuals from malaria were the result of natural selection. 
Haldane’s hypothesis was later confirmed by the research of A. C. Allison. The resistance to malaria carried by individuals in areas where malaria is widespread is the result of —

Accepted Answer

the individuals’ genetic composition

Answer

a vaccine against malaria

Answer

the individuals’ behavior in avoiding those with the infection

Answer

antibiotic medications

Question 2

The table shows the survival rate of two types of beetles in the same environment over a period of three years. Which statement about the beetles in this environment is best supported by the data?

Accepted Answer

Green beetles are more fit for the environment than brown beetles are

Answer

Brown beetles undergo a greater number of unfavorable mutations than green beetles do

Answer

Brown beetles have a shorter life cycle than green beetles have

Answer

Green beetles have a greater gene frequency among their population than brown beetles have

Question 3

A prey population consists of individuals with a variety of running speeds. The adaptation that allows some of these animals to run fast would be an example of natural selection if it helps them —

Accepted Answer

reproduce and increase the frequency of their genes in the population

Answer

survive and undergo mutations in their DNA

Answer

produce offspring that run at average speeds

Answer

lower the mortality rates of the population

Question 4

Nudibranchs are marine gastropods that lack shells. Many of these gastropods retain the foul-tasting poisons of their prey and secrete them when threatened. The bright coloration of the nudibranchs warns predators to avoid them. Based on this information, how has adaptation allowed marine gastropods to be successful without a shell?

Accepted Answer

They are not attacked by most predators and are able to reproduce successfully

Answer

They have bright colors that attract a mate

Answer

They find enough food as they move through the marine environment

Answer

They blend in with their environment to hide from their predators

Question 5

In the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), implantation of embryos after breeding is delayed. The deer breed in July or August but do not give birth until the following May or June. From summer to late December, the embryo rests in a state of dormancy as a 30-cell blastocyst. In late December or early January, the embryo sends a signal that causes the female to release hormones, allowing the embryo to continue to develop normally. Why is delayed implantation an advantageous adaptation for the European roe deer?

Accepted Answer

Without delayed implantation, the fawns would be born in the winter when food is scarce and the weather is harsh

Answer

Delayed implantation allows the mother to continue to breed with other males

Answer

Delayed implantation enables the female to give birth to more fawns each year

Answer

Without delayed implantation, the females would not be able to carry a pregnancy to full term

Question 6

Plants have developed many methods of seed dispersal. The table below shows seeds of two different plants. How has the seed dispersal method developed by these plants given them a reproductive advantage?

Accepted Answer

The method ensures that offspring will be dispersed and reduces competition for resources

Answer

The method reduces the plants’ need for water and other nutrients

Answer

The method reduces the chance that herbivores will consume the seeds

Answer

The method lengthens the life cycle of each of these plants

Question 7

Scientists estimate that there are more than 20,000 species of ants. The species range in size from 1 mm long to 38 mm long and live in most environments. The diets of ants range from flowers and seeds to fluids from their own larvae. Ants have been able to successfully inhabit so many different environments because their populations have been able to —

Accepted Answer

adapt to a variety of habitats and food sources

Answer

fill niches usually occupied by mammals

Answer

occupy habitats that have no other life-forms

Answer

hybridize with other species of insects

Question 8

In Madagascar scientists have discovered a moth, Xanthopan morganii praedicta, that has a 30.5 cm proboscis and feeds from and pollinates Darwin’s orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale. The orchid has a nectar-producing tube that is 27.9 cm long. How is the moth’s proboscis size an adaptation for its environment?

Accepted Answer

The moth has little competition for food

Answer

The moth can avoid larger animals

Answer

The moth has time to feed during the day

Answer

The moth can pollinate other flowers

Question 9

Some organisms have genes that improve their ability to survive and reproduce. If the genes also help their offspring survive and reproduce, then which of the following will most likely increase?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of the genes in the population

Answer

The frequency of the genes in one individual

Answer

The number of genes in one chromosome

Answer

The number of genes in the species

Question 10

A harmless scarlet king snake and a venomous eastern coral snake have similar band patterns, as shown below. For the scarlet king snake, the adaptation of having a banding pattern like the eastern coral snake’s is known as mimicry. The outcome of this adaptation in the scarlet king snake is to —

Accepted Answer

protect the scarlet king snake from predators

Answer

make it easier for the scarlet king snake to attract prey

Answer

allow the scarlet king snake to blend in with its environment

Answer

make it easier for the scarlet king snake to interbreed with the other snake

Question 11

The white cattail is a hybrid species of plant that is a result of the cross between the broad-leaved cattail and the narrow-leaved cattail. Over time, the white cattail has established itself in the wetlands of Midwestern states. Which of these explains the success of the white cattail?

Accepted Answer

Favorable genes from parental generations provide advantageous characteristics to the hybrid species.

Answer

Hybrid species display more adaptations due to their reduced genetic diversity.

Answer

Inherited traits passed on from parental generations make hybrid species more susceptible to disease.

Answer

Hybridization produces offspring traits that allow different species to survive in extreme environments.

Question 12

Adaptations that result from natural selection are expected to increase the fitness of an organism. In terms of natural selection, which of the following best describes fitness?

Accepted Answer

Being able to survive, find a mate, and produce offspring

Answer

Being able to survive long enough to reach the adult stage

Answer

Being able to escape from predators

Answer

Being among the strongest organisms in a population

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