2007-2008
Adaptation and Natural Selection: Quiz
A. Multiple Choice: Write down the letter the best answers the question/statement.
___1. What is the definition of species?
a) a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce
b) a group of similar organisms that can mate and produce fertile offspring.
c) a well tested concept that explains a wide range of observations
d) a group of animals with similar appearance
___2. An adaptation is a trait that helps an organism…
a) fight better
b) overproduce variations c) survive and reproduce
d) larger and stronger
___3. As a result of global warming, what evolutionary changes could we infer might eventually be seen
in polar bears?
a) they will develop thicker, warmer coats
b) they will develop thinner and darker fur
c) they will lose their ability to swim
d) they will become herbivores
___4. Which statement does not describe geographic isolation?
a) members of a species are cut off or separated from the rest of its species
b) build up of traits over time
c) separation by rivers, volcanic activity, or mountain ranges
d) a new species forms because a group cannot mate with original members of a species
___5. Who is regarded as the “father” of evolution?
a) Lamarck b) Einstein
c) Wegener
d) Darwin
___6. The process of organisms fighting for mates, food and living space is called:
a) adaptation b) evolution c) competition d) all of the above
___7. Natural selection is based on... a) overproduction
b) variation
c) competition
d) all of the above
___8. Why did the creatures of the Galapagos develop different traits than their mainland relatives?
a) because of the tremendous amount of successful predators there
b) because the conditions were different there and must be adapted to
c) because of geographic isolation
d) both b and c
___9. Evolution is?
a) one animal turning into a completely different animal
b) change in a habitat over time
c) trait that enhances survival
d) gradual change in a species over a long time
2007-2008
B. Matching: Write down the letter of the advantage that best fits the adaptation. Some advantages will
be used more than once. But you will only have one answer for each number.
Dog Adaptations
___10. good sense of smell
Advantages
a. finding/ collecting food
___11. barking, howling
b. avoid predators
___12. group with others to “look” powerful
c. survive in a hot conditions
___13. long, powerful teeth
___14. panting instead of sweating
C. Application: Based on your knowledge of adaptations. Write down the letter the best answers the
question/statement.
15. A scorpion is an effective predator in its niche. What set of adaptations would help a
scorpion catch and overcome its prey?
a. claws and tail with a stinger
b. exoskeleton and tail with a stinger
c. powerful legs, tail with a stinger, and exoskeleton
d. claws, powerful legs, and exoskeleton
16. The Siberian tiger catches and kills most of its prey at night. Adaptive
characteristics that help it obtain its food includea. good eyesight, sharp teeth, a powerful jaw, fragile bones, and claws
b. good eyesight, muscular legs, a small stomach, and sharp teeth
c. eyes that see well at night, muscular legs, sharp claws, powerful jaw,
and sharp teeth
d. eyes that see well at night, muscular legs, sharp teeth, and fragile bones.
17. Examine this lizard. Based on the features of this lizard
what would best describe the animal’s habitat?
a.
b.
c.
d.
moist, damp ecosystem; often eaten by predators
dry, desert-like ecosystem; often eaten by predators
moist, damp ecosystem; not bothered by predators
dry, desert-like ecosystem; not bothered by predators