Question 1

A structure that is derived from an equivalent structure in a common ancestor is called _________.
A) Homologous
B) Synonymous
C) Analogous
D) Divergent

Accepted Answer

Homologous structures are those that have a similar structure and position in different organisms due to their descent from a common ancestor. This means that they have similar developmental pathways and genetic basis, but may have different functions in different species. Therefore, if a structure is derived from an equivalent structure in a common ancestor, it is considered homologous.

Question 2

Speciation is ________.
A) A process that happens instantaneously
B) An event that happens as soon as offspring are born
C) A gradual process that happens over evolutionary time
D) An event that happens when hybridization occurs

Accepted Answer

Speciation is a gradual process that occurs over evolutionary time, usually through the accumulation of genetic differences between populations that become so vast that they can no longer interbreed and produce viable offspring. It takes place over extended periods, which can range from thousands of years to millions of years. Therefore, option A and B are incorrect, as speciation is not an instant process. Option D is also incorrect because hybridization can sometimes result in speciation, but it is not the only way that speciation can occur.

Question 3

______ structures are similar in superficial form or function.
A) Analogous
B) Homologous
C) Sympatric
D) Synonymous

Accepted Answer

Analogous structures are structures that have similar functions but differ in their evolutionary origins. They can often arise through convergent evolution, where two unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits due to their similar selective pressures in the environment. Examples of analogous structures include bird wings and insect wings, which have similar functions in flight but evolved independently from different ancestral structures.

Question 4

The term _______ refers to the success of individuals in the population to leave descendants in an environment relative to others.
A) Fitness
B) Speciation
C) Evolution
D) Natural selection

Accepted Answer

Fitness is a measure of an individual's reproductive success relative to other individuals in the population. It is a key concept in the theory of natural selection, which states that traits that increase an individual's fitness are more likely to be passed on to future generations, leading to evolutionary change over time. Speciation refers to the process by which new species arise, while evolution is the overall concept encompassing all changes in genetic traits over time. Natural selection is a mechanism that drives evolution and increases the frequency of certain traits in a population.

Question 5

The distribution of a subspecies of salamanders Ensatina eschscholtzii,is known as ________.
A) An island endemic
B) A sympatric species
C) A ring species
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The distribution of Ensatina eschscholtzii is known as a ring species. This is because the populations around the central valley of California form a circular pattern, with each population being able to interbreed with adjacent populations but not with those on the opposite side of the ring. This creates a continuum of genetic variation around the ring, but the two ends of the ring are reproductively isolated subspecies.

Question 6

There is a species of bird called the Island Scrub Jay found only on the island of Santa Cruz in the Channel Islands off the coast of California.This species of bird is thus ________ to the Channel Islands.
A) Cosmopolitan
B) Extinct
C) Endemic
D) Endogenous

Accepted Answer

Endemic species are those that are found only in a particular region or habitat and nowhere else in the world. The Island Scrub Jay is found only on the island of Santa Cruz in the Channel Islands, making it an endemic species to the Channel Islands. Cosmopolitan species are those that are found all over the world, while extinct species no longer exist. Endogenous species are not a recognized category of species.

Question 7

If a structure is superficial in form or function and is not derived from a common ancestor it is ________.However,if the structure is derived from an equivalent structure in a common ancestor it is considered _______.
A) Homologous, analogous
B) Analogous, convergent
C) Approximately 1000 times slower
D) Analogous, homologous

Accepted Answer

Analogous structures are those that are superficially similar but did not evolve from a common ancestor, indicating convergent evolution. Homologous structures, on the other hand, are derived from a common ancestor, showcasing divergent evolution.

Question 8

A zebra was bred in captivity with a horse.The resulting offspring were all sterile.This can be thought of as a ________
A) Sympatric species
B) Allopatric species
C) Post-zygotic barrier
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The fact that the offspring of a zebra and a horse are sterile suggests that there is a post-zygotic barrier preventing the development of viable offspring. This barrier occurs after fertilization, so it is not caused by a sympatric or allopatric separation between the two parent species.

Question 9

Which term refers to a trait that has a genetic basis and is capable of being passed down to subsequent generations?
A) Evolution
B) Fitness
C) Heritable
D) Speciation

Accepted Answer

The term "heritable" refers to a trait that is passed down from one generation to another through genetic inheritance. This means that the trait is encoded in the DNA of an organism and can be transmitted to its offspring. Evolution refers to the process of change in the characteristics of a population over time; fitness is the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment; and speciation refers to the formation of new species through evolutionary processes. While all of these concepts may be associated with heritable traits, "heritable" specifically refers to the genetic basis of a trait.

Question 10

Human-caused global warming due to the greenhouse effect is ________ than postglacial warming.
A) Nearly 100 times faster
B) An event that only just started and appears to have a slightly greater effect
C) Nearly 500 times faster
D) Approximately 1000 times slower

Accepted Answer

Human-caused global warming due to the greenhouse effect is occurring at a rate that is nearly 100 times faster than the rate of postglacial warming, indicating a significant acceleration in the pace of climate change due to human activities.

Quiz 2: Ecology’s Evolutionary Backdrop

A structure that is derived from an equivalent structure in a common ancestor is called _________.

Speciation is ________.

______ structures are similar in superficial form or function.

The term _______ refers to the success of individuals in the population to leave descendants in an environment relative to others.

The distribution of a subspecies of salamanders Ensatina eschscholtzii,is known as ________.

There is a species of bird called the Island Scrub Jay found only on the island of Santa Cruz in the Channel Islands off the coast of California.This species of bird is thus ________ to the Channel Islands.

If a structure is superficial in form or function and is not derived from a common ancestor it is __.However,if the structure is derived from an equivalent structure in a common ancestor it is considered _.

A zebra was bred in captivity with a horse.The resulting offspring were all sterile.This can be thought of as a ________

Which term refers to a trait that has a genetic basis and is capable of being passed down to subsequent generations?

Human-caused global warming due to the greenhouse effect is ________ than postglacial warming.