CFA #7 – Evolution
1. In an experiment, suppose that the wings of fruit flies were clipped short for fifty
generations. The fifty-first generation emerged with normal-length wings. This
observation would tend to disprove the idea that evolution is based on
a. inheritance of natural variations.
b. inheritance of acquired characteristics.
c. natural selection.
d. survival of the fittest.
2. Molecular evidence in support of natural selection includes
a. the nearly universal genetic code that help produce the same
proteins among species.
b. the presence of vestigial structures in all organisms.
c. a tendency toward perfect, unchanging DNA in various species.
d. the transmission of acquired characteristics by DNA.
3. The bone structure in the arms of bats, whales, deer and humans follows the same
pattern. These bones are said to be
a. a vestigial
b. homologous
c. analogous
d. similar by coincidence
4. The coccyx bone, nictitating membrane, and appendix in humans are examples of
a. homologous structures
b. analogous structures
c. lamarkian structures
d. vestigial structures
5. The theory of natural selection
a. is just a theory that needs further proof before scientists can deem it worthwhile
b. states that humans evolved from chimpanzees
c. accurately describes the progress of life culminating in human beings
d. states that the strong survive
6. Over 99% of the organisms that have ever existed on earth are now extinct. This is due
to the fact that
a. they were not well adapted
b. they could not change with the changing physical climate of the planet
c. they were not smart enough
d. they froze with the ice from the ice age
7. Which of the following mutations would have the greatest impact on the species?
a. mutation in an egg cell of a old organism
b. mutation in a muscle cell of a old organism
c. mutation in an egg cell of an young organism
d. mutation in a muscle cell of an young organism
8. Parasites and their hosts are constantly outmaneuvering each other in an evolutionary
arms race. Such an arms race is an example of
a. adaptive radiation
b. convergent evolution
c. divergent evolution
d. coevolution
9. Insects become resistant to pesticides because
a. they get used to them
b. resistant survivors leave like offspring
c. they get stronger
d. individuals modify their behavior in order to adapt
10. Which of the following is NOT a part of our evolutionary genus?
a. Homo sapiens
b. Homo ecrectus
c. Homo habilus
d. Hominidae Gorilla
11. Which of the following patterns of diversity was NOT part of Darwin’s work?
a. Species vary locally
b. Species vary in the ocean
c. Species globally
d. Species vary over time
Constructed Response
State the theory of natural selection in your own words. Illustrate the theory by using one of
the following as an example - insect resistance to DDT, bacterial resistance to antibiotic, or
the peppered moth story.