Which statement accurately describes evolution?(1 point)

Responses

Evolution cannot occur without natural selection.
Evolution cannot occur without natural selection.

Evolution is the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.
Evolution is the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

Evolution cannot occur without genetic drift.
Evolution cannot occur without genetic drift.

Evolution occurs when favorable adaptations are passed on to future generations.

15 answers

The statement that most accurately describes evolution is:

Evolution is the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

This statement captures the essence of evolution as a process that encompasses various mechanisms, including natural selection, genetic drift, mutations, and gene flow, that can contribute to changes in a population's genetic composition over generations.

If an exotic zoo crossbreeds a tiger with a lion, it is performing(1 point)
Responses

biological evolution.
biological evolution.

natural selection.
natural selection.

genetic modification.
genetic modification.

artificial selection.

If an exotic zoo crossbreeds a tiger with a lion, it is performing artificial selection.

Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed specific plants or animals for desired traits, and in this case, the zoo is intentionally crossbreeding two different species (tigers and lions) to create hybrid offspring.

Rapid mass extinction may occur as a result of(1 point)
Responses

a catastrophic event.
a catastrophic event.

loss of habitat from land development.
loss of habitat from land development.

a few years of below-average temperatures.
a few years of below-average temperatures.

loss of food sources during a dry season.

Rapid mass extinction may occur as a result of a catastrophic event.

Catastrophic events, such as asteroid impacts, volcanic eruptions, or significant climatic shifts, can lead to rapid and widespread loss of species. While the other options can contribute to declines in biodiversity, they typically do not cause mass extinction on the same scale and speed as catastrophic events.

How might a prolonged drought affect a population of salamanders in a swamp?(1 point)
Responses

Have no effect on the population.
Have no effect on the population.

Increase the population due to reduced predation.
Increase the population due to reduced predation.

Decrease the population size due to loss of habitat.
Decrease the population size due to loss of habitat.

Increase the biodiversity in the swamp.

A prolonged drought would likely decrease the population size due to loss of habitat.

Salamanders typically require moist environments for their survival, reproduction, and development. A prolonged drought would reduce the availability of water in the swamp, which can lead to loss of habitat and food sources, ultimately resulting in a decline in the salamander population.

According to kin selection, which member of the group will a chimpanzee protect first?(1 point)
Responses

offspring
offspring

unrelated group members
unrelated group members

cousins
cousins

offspring of siblings

According to kin selection, a chimpanzee will protect its offspring first.

Kin selection is a theory that suggests individuals are more likely to exhibit altruistic behavior towards their relatives (kin) because it increases the chances of shared genes being passed on to future generations. Protecting one's own offspring is a primary example of this behavior.

When developing his ideas about natural selection, Darwin focused most on(1 point)
Responses

adaptations.
adaptations.

DNA.
DNA.

kin selection.
kin selection.

group behavior.

When developing his ideas about natural selection, Darwin focused most on adaptations.

Darwin's observations of the adaptations of organisms to their environments played a central role in his theory of natural selection, as he noted how these adaptations enhanced survival and reproductive success.

Humans evolved during a period of significant environmental change. Which advantage does that give the species today?(1 point)
Responses

Humans have the best chance of surviving current environmental changes, like climate change.
Humans have the best chance of surviving current environmental changes, like climate change.

Humans have new adaptations that older species do not have, giving them a competitive advantage.
Humans have new adaptations that older species do not have, giving them a competitive advantage.

Humans have more adaptations than the average species because of the constant changes.
Humans have more adaptations than the average species because of the constant changes.

Humans have a greater ability to adjust to change, so they can survive in a variety of environments and circumstances.

The best advantage that humans have today due to evolving during a period of significant environmental change is that humans have a greater ability to adjust to change, so they can survive in a variety of environments and circumstances.

This flexibility and adaptability stem from various factors, including intelligence, social structures, and technological innovations, allowing humans to thrive in diverse environments and face new challenges.

Walruses are large marine mammals that inhabit the Arctic. They feed on mullusks and fish, and use ice platforms as a base for hunting and to raise their young. What could be a likely consequence for walruses if the Arctic continues to warm at the current rate?(1 point)
Responses

Walrus population will decrease due to lack of suitable habitat.
Walrus population will decrease due to lack of suitable habitat.

The walrus population will increase due to warmer climates.
The walrus population will increase due to warmer climates.

Walruses may migrate to the Antarctic to find a new habitat.
Walruses may migrate to the Antarctic to find a new habitat.

Walruses may adapt quickly to the new, warmer environment.

A likely consequence for walruses if the Arctic continues to warm at the current rate is that the walrus population will decrease due to lack of suitable habitat.

As Arctic ice melts due to warming temperatures, walruses lose their ice platforms, which are crucial for resting, breeding, and hunting. The reduction in ice can lead to increased competition for limited resources and may negatively impact their population.