Biology Test: Evolution
1. Who observed variations in the characteristics of animals and plants in the
different islands of the Galapagos?
a. James Hutton
b. Charles Lyell
c. Charles Darwin
d. Gregor Mendell
2. In addition to observing living organisms, Darwin studies the preserved remains
of ancient organisms called:
a. Fossils
b. Adaptations
c. Homologous structures
d. Vestigial organs
3. Which would an animal breeder use to produce cows that give more milk?
a. Overproduction
b. Genetic isolation
c. Acquired characteristics
d. Artificial selection
4. An inherited characteristic that increases an organism’s ability to survive and
reproduce in its specific environment is called:
a. Vestigial organ
b. Adaptation
c. Speciation
d. Radiation
5. The concept that tell us all living species living and extinct were derived from
common ancestors
a. Common descent
b. artificial selection
c. theory of acquired characteristics
d. natural selection
6. Fitness is a result of:
a. Adaptations
b. Homologies
c. Common Descent
d. Variation
7. Structures that have different mature forms but develop from the same embryonic
tissue are
a. Vestigial organs
b. Adaptations
c. Homologous Structures
d. Fossils
8. Survival of the fittest is a process in which individuals that are better suited to
their environment survive and reproduce most successfully, this is also known as:
a. Speciation
b. Succession
c. Artificial selection
d. Natural selection
9-10. Darwin made 3 major observations during his voyage. What were they?
a. _________________
b. _________________
c. Patterns of Diversity
11. What observation did Darwin make about patterns of diversity?
a. Plants and animals seemed well suited for whatever environment they inhabited
b. Plant species remained the same throughout continents
c. Fossils from animals differed from each other from the Galapagos Islands
12. Name 3 animals Darwin mentioned having significant differences within the
species from different islands of the Galapagos
a. Tortoises, Rabbits, Finches
b. Tortoises, Iguanas, Finches
c. Tortoises, Mocking Birds, Rabbits
13-16. What are the 4 major categories for evidence of evolution?
a. Fossil record
b. ______________________________
c. ______________________________
d._______________________________
17. What does the fossil record show us?
a. Fossils formed in layers, each layer representing 100 years.
b. All animal limbs develop from the same cells
c. Species existed and vanished over long periods of time
d. There’s a transition species between extinct and modern species
e. All of the above
f. c and d only
18. Some animals and plant throughout the world may be different, but have similar
anatomies and behaviors. This supports:
a. Fossil record
b. Geographic distribution of living things
c. Homolgous body structures
d. Similarities in embryology
19. What evidence suggests that chimpanzees are closely related to humans?
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20. How is a mammal’s brain different from a reptile’s brain?
a. A reptile brain is more complex in that they are instinctive and behave out of fear,
aggression and safety
b. A mammal brain is more complex in that they are instinctive and behave out of
fear, aggression and safety
c. A mammal brain is more complex in that they are nurturing and have the ability to
learn