Chapter 15 Assessment:
The Evolution of Species & Patterns of Evolution (pgs. 417-421)
The questions below are based on the reading. Once you have read pages 471-421 in your
textbook answer the following questions.
I. Multiple Choice Questions (1 point each): Choose the best answer.
1. A physical barrier that separates a population causes __________.c
a. behavioral isolation
b. physiologic isolation
c. geographic isolation
d. emigration
2. If formerly interbreeding organisms are prevented from the production of fertile
offspring, __________ has occurred.b
a. behavioral isolation
b. reproductive isolation
c. physiologic isolation
d. geographic isolation
3. Two closely related species of squirrels live on opposite sides of the Grand Canyon.
The ancestral species probably evolved into two species because of _________.d
a. Structural isolation
b. Punctuated isolation
c. Behavioral isolation
d. Geographic isolation
4. Which of the following pairs of terms is not related?d
a. analogous structures –butterfly wings
b. evolution –natural selection
c. vestigial structure –appendix
d. adaptive radiations –convergent evolution
5. The idea that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability is
known as __________.b
a. gradualism
b. punctuated equilibrium
c. adaptation
d. adaptive radiation
6. Apply what you know about punctuated equilibrium versus gradualism, what
methods of speciation are most likely to lead to punctuated equilibrium? a
a. polyploidy
b. geographic isolation
c. convergent evolution
d. reproductive isolation
7. In Figure 15.16 what type of speciation and which rate hypothesis is shown?d
a. reproductive isolation/punctuated equilibrium
b. reproductive isolation/gradualism
c. geographic isolation/punctuated equilibrium
d. geographic isolation/gradualism
8. Scientists use fossil evidence to support the following theory/theories __________.c
a. punctuated equilibrium
b. gradualism
c. a and b
d. none of the above
9. Scientist suggest various birds on the Hawaiian Islands migrated from North America
and over time exhibited which pattern of evolution?d
a. convergent evolution
b. convergent radiation
c. adaptation evolution
d. adaptive radiation
10. Interpret Figure 15.20, cacti from the family Cactaceae and Euphorbiaceae illustrate
what type of evolution?a
a. convergent evolution
b. convergent radiation
c. adaptation evolution
d. adaptive radiation
II. Short Response Questions (2 Points each): Give a one to two sentence response
for each question or statement.
11. What happened to the ancestor of the honeycreeper when it left the mainland and
encountered the diverse niches of Hawaii? They underwent adaptive radiation.
12. Summarize what happens in adaptive radiation? When an ancestral species evolves
into an array of species to fit a number of diverse habitats.
13. Adaptive radiation is one example of divergent evolution. When does divergent
evolution occur? When populations adapting to different environmental conditions
change, becoming less alike as they adapt, eventually resulting in new species.
14. When unrelated species occupy similar environments in different parts of the world
what would you expect to see and why? You will see convergent evolution occurring
because of similar selective pressures and environments.
15. How do gradualism and punctuated equilibrium differ? How are they similar?
Gradualism takes a much longer time than punctuated equilibrium, but they both
result in evolution.
16. Hummingbird moths are night-flying insects whose behavior and appearance are
similar to those of hummingbirds. Explain how these two organisms demonstrate the
concept of convergent evolution.
Although not closely related, they share similar environments and have evolved
similar behaviors and appearances.
17. How can geographic isolation change a population’s gene pool?
It may result in different local environments for a separated population. Different
adaptations are useful in different environments, and the gene pool will in time reflect
the differences.
18. Describe adaptive radiation as a form of divergent evolution.
In adaptive radiation, a generalized ancestor encounters an area of many available
niches and eventually diverges into many species. This is an example of divergent
evolution, in which species similar to ancestral species adapt to different
environmental conditions.
19. On a scale of 1-10 how well did you comprehend the reading? Specifically, what did
you find difficult or challenging?
Answers will vary.
III. Extended Response Question (4 points):
20. Generate a concept map that encompasses evolution, specifically, causes and patterns.