Question 1

A ____________ is a set of hypotheses that is supported again and again by multiple researchers.

Accepted Answer

A theory is a set of hypotheses that has been repeatedly supported by empirical evidence across multiple research studies, making it a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.

Question 2

A ____________ consists of a set of supported hypotheses that all interconnect and act as a powerful tool for explaining natural phenomena.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A ____________ consists of a set of...

Question 3

A ____________ is a predominant way of thinking about ideas.

Accepted Answer

A paradigm is a framework or set of beliefs and assumptions that guide how we understand and interpret the world, making it the correct choice for a predominant way of thinking about ideas.

Question 4

A ____________ is a testable explanation of the observed facts.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable explanation of observed phenomena, which can be either supported or refuted through experimentation or further observation.

Question 5

Which of the following is true about science?

Accepted Answer

Science is self-correcting because it relies on empirical evidence and the scientific method, allowing for revisions and updates as new data and insights become available.

Question 6

Darwin first used the phrase, "survival of the fittest"

Accepted Answer

The phrase "survival of the fittest" was not used by Darwin in the first edition of "On the Origin of Species." It was Herbert Spencer who first used the phrase, and Darwin later adopted it in the 5th edition of his book to describe the process of natural selection in a way that was more understandable to the public.

Question 7

Evolution via natural selection

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is a process that is neutral and not goal-directed; it simply favors traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in a given environment.

Question 8

Within the context of science, which of the following is the definition of parsimony?

Accepted Answer

Parsimony, in the context of science and particularly in evolutionary biology and phylogenetics, refers to the principle that the simplest explanation or pathway that requires the fewest steps is usually the correct one. This principle is often applied in the construction of phylogenetic trees, where the tree that implies the least amount of evolutionary change is preferred.

Question 9

Which of the following is the definition of uniformitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Uniformitarianism is the principle that the same geological processes that operate in the present have operated in the past, shaping Earth's surface over long periods of time.

Question 10

Regarding the 1925 Scopes "Monkey Trial, which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The law against teaching evolution was not removed from Tennessee law books one year after the trial. In fact, the Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in Tennessee schools, remained in effect until 1967. The trial did end with John T. Scopes being convicted and fined $100, and the verdict was overturned on a technicality about the fine amount being set by the judge rather than the jury, but the law itself remained.

Question 11

Which of the following is the BEST definition of reproductive success?

Accepted Answer

Reproductive success is best defined as the number of surviving offspring an organism has, as this measure directly relates to the ability of those offspring to potentially reproduce themselves, thereby contributing to the genetic lineage of the organism.

Question 12

Regarding the teaching of evolution in U.S. high schools, which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Regarding the teaching of evolution in U.S....

Question 13

Which one of the following is NOT descriptive of Carolus Linnaeus?

Accepted Answer

Carolus Linnaeus was not an atheist; rather, his work in taxonomy and natural history was deeply influenced by his Christian beliefs, reflecting his interest in understanding God's creation.

Question 14

Regarding evolution, which one of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Evolution as a scientific theory explains the process by which organisms change over time through variations in their genetic material and natural selection. It does not inherently aim to address or contradict religious beliefs or texts. Many people and religious groups find ways to reconcile their faith with the scientific understanding of evolution, seeing no conflict between the two.

Question 15

Regarding science, which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Science is primarily a methodology for investigating the natural world, involving observation, experimentation, and hypothesis testing to gain understanding and knowledge.

Question 16

Which one of the following was NOT believed by Linnaeus?

Accepted Answer

Linnaeus did not believe in organizing organisms based on evolutionary historical similarities. Instead, he classified organisms based on their physical characteristics, without considering their evolutionary history. His system, known as Linnaean taxonomy, was not based on evolutionary principles but on morphological similarities.

Question 17

Which one of the following is NOT a part of critical thinking?

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves evaluating and analyzing information rather than accepting it at face value. Choices A, C, and D are all components of critical thinking, emphasizing the importance of assessment, active participation, and control over information processing.

Question 18

Natural selection is the result of all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is a process that depends on existing and heritable variation in organisms and their interaction with the environment. The statement about bigger organisms surviving at a higher rate than smaller organisms is not universally true and does not necessarily result from natural selection, as survival and reproductive success depend on a variety of factors, not just size.

Question 19

Lamarck proposed a process of evolution with three major components. Which one of the following was NOT one of the three components of evolution proposed by Lamarck?

Accepted Answer

Lamarck's theory of evolution included the law of use and disuse, the inheritance of acquired characteristics, and the idea that organisms have an innate tendency to progress towards greater complexity. He did not propose that the environment does not challenge organisms; in fact, environmental challenges were a key part of his theory, as they necessitated the use and disuse of characteristics.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT one of the basic ideas shared by Darwin and Wallace?

Accepted Answer

The basic ideas shared by Darwin and Wallace include heritable variation in nature, the environment posing challenges to organisms, and some variants doing better than others. The concept that some organisms need more food than others is not directly one of the foundational ideas of their theories on natural selection and evolution.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Evolutionary Fact and Theory