Scientists hypothesize that altruistic behavior has developed in certain populations because of kin selection. Which piece of evidence supports this claim?(1 point)

Question

Responses

A hippo is observed saving an antelope from an attack by an alligator.
A hippo is observed saving an antelope from an attack by an alligator.

A meerkat protects the offspring of its sister from an attack by hawks.
A meerkat protects the offspring of its sister from an attack by hawks.

A cuckoo bird hides its own eggs in the nest of another bird species.
A cuckoo bird hides its own eggs in the nest of another bird species.

A male gorilla avoids being attacked by a lion.

Answer 1

The piece of evidence that supports the claim of altruistic behavior developing through kin selection is:

A meerkat protects the offspring of its sister from an attack by hawks.

This behavior exemplifies kin selection because it demonstrates an individual sacrificing its own safety to protect genetically related offspring, thereby increasing the chances of survival of their shared genes.

Answer 2

Pandas are a unique species of bear because their primary diet consists of bamboo. Because of this, pandas live in bamboo forests. Pandas also have a very slow reproduction rate. Based on this information, if a major environmental catastrophe like a volcanic eruption or meteor strike destroyed all bamboo forests, what will most likely happen to the panda species?(1 point)
Responses

The species will increase its reproduction rate and evolve into a new species that is capable of eating new food.
The species will increase its reproduction rate and evolve into a new species that is capable of eating new food.

The species will move to a new region that has other types of food available.
The species will move to a new region that has other types of food available.

The species will evolve adaptations to eat another type of plant that is plentiful.
The species will evolve adaptations to eat another type of plant that is plentiful.

The species will become extinct since it cannot adapt to the changes fast enough.

Answer 3

The most likely outcome for the panda species if all bamboo forests were destroyed by a major environmental catastrophe is:

The species will become extinct since it cannot adapt to the changes fast enough.

Given that pandas have a very specialized diet and a slow reproduction rate, they would struggle to survive without their primary food source and would not be able to adapt quickly enough to new food sources or habitats.

Answer 4

What must be true for evolution by natural selection to take place in a population?(1 point)
Responses

The population must have strong individuals.
The population must have strong individuals.

The population must have a large number of individuals.
The population must have a large number of individuals.

The population must have genetic variation in individuals.
The population must have genetic variation in individuals.

The population must have well camouflaged individuals.

Answer 5

For evolution by natural selection to take place in a population, the following must be true:

The population must have genetic variation in individuals.

Genetic variation is essential because it allows for different traits to be present in the population, and natural selection acts on these variations. Without variation, there would be no traits for natural selection to favor or disfavor, making evolution impossible.

Answer 6

A rabbit population with thicker fur tends to survive colder winters better than those with thinner fur.

What type of evidence is needed to establish a causal relationship between fur thickness and survival rates?

(1 point)
Responses

Data showing temperature and population fluctuations over several years.
Data showing temperature and population fluctuations over several years.

Photographs of rabbits with various fur thickness over several seasons.
Photographs of rabbits with various fur thickness over several seasons.

Records of fur thickness in rabbit populations over several years.
Records of fur thickness in rabbit populations over several years.

Experimental evidence that shows rabbits with thicker fur can survive better in cold environments.

Answer 7

To establish a causal relationship between fur thickness and survival rates in rabbits, the type of evidence needed is:

Experimental evidence that shows rabbits with thicker fur can survive better in cold environments.

This type of evidence would provide a direct demonstration of how fur thickness affects survival, allowing researchers to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Answer 8

What is a specific example of competitive advantage exhibited by Darwin’s finches?(1 point)
Responses

The finches evolved from one ancestral species and adapted to their specific niche.
The finches evolved from one ancestral species and adapted to their specific niche.

Birds would be blown to different islands by storms.
Birds would be blown to different islands by storms.

Medium ground finches with small beaks survived best duing droughts.
Medium ground finches with small beaks survived best duing droughts.

Female finches mated with males that had different sized beaks.

Answer 9

A specific example of competitive advantage exhibited by Darwin’s finches is:

Medium ground finches with small beaks survived best during droughts.

This observation illustrates how certain traits (in this case, smaller beak size) provided a competitive advantage in a specific environmental condition (drought), allowing those finches to access food resources more effectively than others with different beak sizes.

Answer 10

Mutations can increase the variation in a population. Do mutations always lead to evolution?(1 point)
Responses

Yes, because there would be no change in populations without mutations.
Yes, because there would be no change in populations without mutations.

Yes, because mutations create adaptations that give a competitive advantage.
Yes, because mutations create adaptations that give a competitive advantage.

No, because some mutations are can decrease an organism's fitness.
No, because some mutations are can decrease an organism's fitness.

No, because most mutations lead to death of the organism.

Answer 11

The correct response is:

No, because some mutations can decrease an organism's fitness.

While mutations introduce genetic variation into a population, not all mutations lead to beneficial changes; some can be neutral or even harmful, which means they do not necessarily contribute to evolution in a positive way. Evolution occurs when advantageous traits increase in frequency in a population over time.