Question 1

Several finches from the mainland of South America fly to a Pacific Island archipelago and colonize the first island they get to.Over time,individuals on this island fly to a nearby island and colonize it.This process occurs repeatedly and over evolutionary time each colonizing bird becomes its own species due to distinct ecological and environmental processes taking place on each island.What type of speciation best describes this example?

Accepted Answer

The scenario described in the question is an example of allopatric speciation. Allopatric speciation occurs when a population becomes geographically isolated from its parent population and evolves into a distinct species over time due to different environmental and ecological factors. In this case, the colonization of different islands by the finches led to the isolation and subsequent evolution of distinct species on each island.

Question 2

As Gondwanaland broke up,bands of vegetation developed nearly 100 million years later.Forty million years later distinct vegetation and climate were established.From when Gondwanaland began to break up,which process do you think most likely unfolded?

Accepted Answer

The development of distinct vegetation and climate suggests that ecological speciation occurred, where organisms diverge into different species due to adaptation to different ecological niches. This process likely took place as Gondwanaland was breaking up and different environments were being established. The other options are not supported by the given information.

Question 3

Norfolk Island,located approximately 700 km from New Caledonia and New Zealand is an island where many endemic species have evolved.If more species in a group found on that island were better dispersers then you would expect:

Accepted Answer

If more species in a group found on Norfolk Island were better dispersers, it would mean that they are more likely to colonize other areas and migrate out of Norfolk Island. This would result in a lower proportion of endemic species on Norfolk Island.

Question 4

Ecological speciation is comprised of which components:

Accepted Answer

Ecological speciation involves the presence of differing environments or ecological interactions that select for local adaptation, as well as a means of reproductive isolation to prevent gene flow between populations. Hybridization can play a role in some cases of ecological speciation, but it is not always necessary or present.

Question 5

As climate has changed over evolutionary time scales,different organisms have responded by:

Accepted Answer

Organisms have responded to climate change by advancing or retreating their range, becoming fragmented into isolated patches, and eventually rejoining after being fragmented, depending on the specific environmental pressures and their adaptability.

Question 6

The evolution of which two groups is an example of parallel evolution?

Accepted Answer

Placental and marsupial mammals evolved independently in different parts of the world but share similar adaptations, such as pouches for carrying their young. This is an example of parallel evolution. The other options do not involve two specific groups evolving in similar ways.

Question 7

Which two scientists derived the theory of evolution by means of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace both independently developed the theory of evolution by means of natural selection. Darwin first presented his ideas in his book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, while Wallace published his own version of the theory in 1858.

Question 8

Some individuals make disproportionately large contributions to subsequent generations,and thus determine the direction of evolution.Which of the following would contribute to this process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some individuals make disproportionately large contributions to...

Question 9

The theory of evolution by means of natural selection establishes that individuals of a population of species are not __________.

Accepted Answer

The theory of evolution by means of natural selection suggests that genetic variations occur within a population, which allows some individuals to have better chances of survival and reproduction than others. This means that individuals within a population are not genetically identical, which is option B. Option A is incorrect because sympatric means belonging to the same geographic area, which is not relevant to the statement. Option C is incorrect because siblings are offspring of the same parents, which is not relevant to the statement. Option D is incorrect because only option B accurately states the answer.

Question 10

A seismic event occurs,splitting a population of wolves in two.One half of the population is now exposed to a very mountainous and rocky habitat with much snow,while the other half of the population is left to live in a wooded forest habitat.After thousands of generations,another seismic event occurs and the population of wolves is now able to be one again.However,they will no longer mate with one another.This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This scenario involves a physical barrier (the seismic event) that separates the population of wolves into two groups with different habitats. Over time, natural selection and genetic drift in each group may lead to differences in their genetic makeup and physical characteristics, which can make them reproductively isolated when they come back together. This process is known as allopatric speciation.

Question 11

The change,over time,in the heritable characteristics of a population of species is known as _______?

Accepted Answer

Evolution refers to the change in the heritable characteristics of a population of species over time. This change occurs through a process of natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow. Speciation refers to the process by which new species arise from existing ones, while allopatric speciation is a type of speciation that occurs when populations of the same species become geographically isolated and diverge over time. Therefore, the best answer for this question is D, as it encompasses the concept of all the other choices.

Question 12

A plant species is found on the mainland of Africa and a migratory bird species feeds on its seeds.These birds arrive on an island,defecate,and leave the seeds on this island.Let us assume the seeds will germinate.Over evolutionary time,what may become of these plants on the island?

Accepted Answer

The plant species on the island may evolve into an endemic species because they are isolated from individuals of the original species on the mainland, which can lead to genetic divergence and the formation of a distinct species. The introduction of seeds via migratory birds is a common way for species to colonize new areas and give rise to new species.

Question 13

Island endemics evolve because they:

Accepted Answer

Island endemics evolve due to isolation from mainland species, which limits gene flow and leads to unique evolutionary paths.

Question 14

The theory of evolution by means of natural selection relies on what established truths?

Accepted Answer

The theory of evolution by means of natural selection relies on the established truths that variation is heritable, there is differential reproductive success, and individuals of a population of species are not identical. However, it is not true that all individuals are favored by natural selection, as natural selection acts on traits that increase an organism's survival and reproductive success in its specific environment.

Question 15

Changes in temperature in the North Sea over the past million years caused changes in sea level that:

Accepted Answer

Changes in sea level caused by temperature changes in the North Sea would have impacted the connections and separations between land masses over time. This would have allowed for the dispersal of both plants and animals between land masses as sea levels rose and fell. A and B are not correct as they are extreme and unlikely outcomes of changes in sea level.

Question 16

You learn that two species of fish co-occurring in a lake evolved into different species because of divergent specialization on bottom- or open water - feeding behaviors.This is a remarkable example of what type of speciation?

Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation occurs when new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region. In this case, the two species of fish evolved into different species due to divergent specialization in feeding behaviors while co-occurring in the same lake, which is a classic example of sympatric speciation.

Question 17

Since the peak of the last glaciation,global temperatures have risen by about 8 degrees Celsius.Pollen records indicate:

Accepted Answer

Pollen records show that different tree species have responded differently to climate changes; some have expanded their range while others have retreated.

Question 18

A ring species evolves due to a process of speciation that unfolds when:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A ring species evolves due to a...

Question 19

Mitochondrial DNA was used as genetic evidence to determine that two fish species in Lake Apoyo evolved as a result of a sympatric speciation process.Mitochondrial DNA is:

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from the mother to her offspring, making it a useful tool for studying maternal lineages and identifying evolutionary relationships within a species or group of related organisms.

Question 20

Evolution will force population characteristics to diverge from one another only if:

Accepted Answer

Evolution requires heritable genetic variation to act upon, and strong selection pressures can drive divergence by overcoming the homogenizing effects of gene flow and hybridization.

Quiz 2: Ecology’s Evolutionary Backdrop