In Darwinism, Alfred Russel Wallace argues that natural selection is the primary force driving the evolution of species. What is a key element that Wallace emphasizes is necessary for natural selection to occur?
- A stable environment
- The presence of predators
- Genetic variation within a population
- The ability of species to adapt to their surroundings
Correct Answer: Genetic variation within a population
Correct Answer Explanation: Wallace emphasizes that genetic variation within a population is essential for natural selection. This variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, allowing some individuals with advantageous traits to survive and reproduce more successfully.
In Darwinism, Alfred Russel Wallace discusses the concept of “survival of the fittest.” What does this phrase refer to?
- The strongest individuals in a population will always survive
- The ability of a species to evolve at a faster rate than others
- The ability of individuals best suited to their environment to survive and reproduce
- The survival of the species that can adapt to the most changes
Correct Answer: The ability of individuals best suited to their environment to survive and reproduce
Correct Answer Explanation: “Survival of the fittest” in Darwinism refers to the idea that individuals with traits that make them better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This is not about physical strength but about an organism’s ability to thrive in its environment.
Wallace argues against the idea of Lamarckism, which states that acquired characteristics are inherited. What does Wallace suggest as an alternative to Lamarckism?
- That species change over time due to the influence of the environment
- That inherited variations are the basis for evolution
- That the use or disuse of organs can lead to their development
- That species are created through divine intervention
Correct Answer: That inherited variations are the basis for evolution
Correct Answer Explanation: Wallace rejected Lamarckism and proposed that variations passed down through inheritance are the driving force behind evolution. These variations are influenced by natural selection, where those best suited to the environment survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits.
In Darwinism, Wallace highlights the importance of geographical isolation in the process of evolution. How does geographical isolation contribute to the formation of new species?
- It prevents species from interbreeding and allows for distinct populations to develop different traits
- It exposes species to different environmental pressures, leading to adaptive changes
- It allows for the accumulation of mutations, leading to genetic divergence between populations
- It promotes competition among species, leading to the survival of the fittest
Correct Answer: It prevents species from interbreeding and allows for distinct populations to develop different traits
Correct Answer Explanation: Geographical isolation prevents gene flow between populations, allowing them to evolve independently. Different environments can select for different traits, leading to divergence and eventually the formation of new species.
Darwinism explores the concept of “natural selection.” What does Wallace emphasize is the key driver of natural selection?
- The ability of individuals to outcompete others for resources
- The ability of species to adapt to their surroundings
- The influence of the environment on species evolution
- The survival of the fittest individuals
Correct Answer: The influence of the environment on species evolution
Correct Answer Explanation: Wallace highlights the role of the environment in driving natural selection. Environmental factors like climate, food availability, and predators exert pressure on populations, selecting for traits that increase survival and reproductive success.
In Darwinism, Wallace presents the idea of “divergent evolution.” What does divergent evolution refer to?
- The process by which species become more similar over time
- The evolution of new species from a common ancestor
- The development of similar traits in unrelated species due to similar environments
- The extinction of species due to environmental changes
Correct Answer: The evolution of new species from a common ancestor
Correct Answer Explanation: Divergent evolution describes how species that share a common ancestor can evolve to become distinct and different over time. This is often driven by adaptations to different environments or ecological niches.
Wallace uses the example of the Galapagos Islands to illustrate the power of natural selection. What makes the Galapagos Islands a unique case study in evolution?
- They are geographically isolated, leading to the evolution of distinct species
- They have a wide variety of habitats, promoting diversity in species
- They are home to a unique and diverse array of organisms
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The Galapagos Islands offer a unique environment for observing the principles of evolution. Their geographical isolation, diverse habitats, and unique endemic species provide evidence for how natural selection and adaptation shape the diversity of life.
Wallace provides examples of “artificial selection” in Darwinism. What is an example of artificial selection?
- The breeding of dogs to produce different breeds with specific traits
- The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
- The adaptation of plants to different climates
- The natural selection of insects based on their ability to camouflage
Correct Answer: The breeding of dogs to produce different breeds with specific traits
Correct Answer Explanation: Artificial selection involves humans deliberately selecting and breeding organisms with desirable traits. The breeding of dogs to produce specific breeds like poodles, golden retrievers, and bulldogs is a classic example of artificial selection.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the “struggle for existence.” What does he mean by this phrase?
- The competition between individuals within a population for limited resources
- The struggle between different species for dominance
- The competition between individuals and the environment
- The struggle for survival in a hostile world
Correct Answer: The competition between individuals within a population for limited resources
Correct Answer Explanation: The “struggle for existence” refers to the competition between individuals within a population for resources like food, shelter, and mates. This competition is driven by limited resources and plays a key role in natural selection.
Wallace emphasizes that natural selection acts on individuals, not on groups or species. What does this mean?
- The survival and reproduction of individuals determines the fate of a species
- Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
- The fitness of an individual is determined by its ability to compete with others
- Groups of individuals with shared traits can evolve independently
Correct Answer: The survival and reproduction of individuals determines the fate of a species
Correct Answer Explanation: Wallace points out that natural selection operates at the level of individual organisms. The survival and reproductive success of individuals within a population determine the genetic makeup of the next generation, ultimately influencing the evolution of the species.
In Darwinism, Wallace presents the concept of “adaptation.” What does adaptation refer to?
- The ability of a species to change its environment
- The ability of individuals to learn and adapt to new situations
- The evolution of traits that increase an organism’s chance of survival and reproduction
- The process of becoming more similar to other species
Correct Answer: The evolution of traits that increase an organism’s chance of survival and reproduction
Correct Answer Explanation: Adaptation describes the process by which organisms evolve traits that make them better suited to their environment. These adaptations can involve physical features, behaviors, or physiological processes that enhance their survival and ability to reproduce.
Wallace uses the example of the peppered moth to illustrate the concept of natural selection. What happened to the peppered moth during the Industrial Revolution?
- The moth adapted to the polluted environment by developing darker wings
- The moth’s population decreased due to pollution
- The moth’s population increased due to pollution
- The moth evolved to become resistant to pollution
Correct Answer: The moth adapted to the polluted environment by developing darker wings
Correct Answer Explanation: During the Industrial Revolution, soot from factories darkened the trees where the peppered moth lived. This made the dark-colored moths less visible to predators, while light-colored moths became more vulnerable. As a result, the population of dark-colored moths increased, demonstrating natural selection at work.
Darwinism argues that natural selection is a gradual process. What does this mean?
- Evolution occurs in small, incremental steps over time
- Evolutionary changes occur rapidly in response to environmental pressures
- Evolution is a random process with no direction
- Evolution is driven by divine intervention
Correct Answer: Evolution occurs in small, incremental steps over time
Correct Answer Explanation: Wallace and Darwin emphasize that evolution is a slow and gradual process. Small changes in traits over generations accumulate, leading to significant evolutionary changes over long periods. This is different from the idea of sudden, large-scale transformations.
In Darwinism, Wallace presents the idea of “speciation.” What is speciation?
- The process of species becoming extinct
- The process of species changing over time
- The formation of new species from existing ones
- The merging of two species into one
Correct Answer: The formation of new species from existing ones
Correct Answer Explanation: Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing ones. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as geographic isolation, genetic divergence, and reproductive isolation.
Wallace highlights the role of competition in natural selection. What does competition refer to in this context?
- The struggle between individuals within a population for resources
- The struggle between different species for dominance
- The struggle for survival in a hostile world
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Competition in Darwinism encompasses a range of interactions, including the struggle between individuals within a population for limited resources, the competition between different species for dominance, and the overall struggle for survival in a challenging environment.
Darwinism explains the diversity of life on Earth. What is the primary mechanism behind this diversity?
- Natural selection
- Adaptation
- Speciation
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The diversity of life on Earth is a result of a combination of natural selection, adaptation, and speciation. Natural selection drives the evolution of advantageous traits, adaptation allows organisms to thrive in specific environments, and speciation generates new species, adding to the overall diversity of the planet.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “fitness.” What does fitness refer to?
- The strength and physical ability of an organism
- The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce
- The ability of an organism to adapt to its environment
- The ability of an organism to compete with others
Correct Answer: The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce
Correct Answer Explanation: Fitness in Darwinism refers to an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. It is not about physical strength but about an organism’s overall ability to contribute to the next generation.
Wallace argues that natural selection is not a random process. What is the basis for his argument?
- Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, which are not random
- Natural selection favors individuals with advantageous traits, which are not random
- Natural selection is a guided process, directed by a higher power
- Natural selection is a complex process that cannot be explained by randomness
Correct Answer: Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, which are not random
Correct Answer Explanation: Wallace emphasizes that natural selection is not random because it is influenced by environmental factors. These factors, such as climate change, availability of food, and predation, are not random events but exert pressure on populations, selecting for traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “extinction.” What is extinction?
- The process of species changing over time
- The process of species becoming extinct
- The formation of new species from existing ones
- The merging of two species into one
Correct Answer: The process of species becoming extinct
Correct Answer Explanation: Extinction refers to the complete disappearance of a species from Earth. This can occur due to various factors, including habitat loss, climate change, disease, and competition from other species.
Wallace presents examples of “convergent evolution” in Darwinism. What is convergent evolution?
- The development of similar traits in unrelated species due to similar environments
- The evolution of new species from a common ancestor
- The process by which species become more similar over time
- The extinction of species due to environmental changes
Correct Answer: The development of similar traits in unrelated species due to similar environments
Correct Answer Explanation: Convergent evolution describes the development of similar traits in unrelated species due to their adaptation to similar environments. This can be observed in organisms that occupy similar niches, even though they may have diverged from different ancestors.
Darwinism proposes that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor. What is the basis for this claim?
- The similarity in anatomical structures, such as bones and organs
- The similarity in DNA and genetic material
- The observation of evolutionary transitions in the fossil record
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The theory of common descent is supported by evidence from various sources, including anatomical structures, DNA, and the fossil record. Similarities in anatomical features, shared genetic material, and the existence of transitional fossils suggest a common ancestry for all life forms.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “heritability.” What is heritability?
- The ability of a trait to be passed down from parents to offspring
- The ability of a trait to be influenced by the environment
- The ability of a trait to change over time
- The ability of a trait to increase an organism’s fitness
Correct Answer: The ability of a trait to be passed down from parents to offspring
Correct Answer Explanation: Heritability refers to the degree to which a trait is passed down from parents to offspring. Traits with high heritability are more likely to be passed on to the next generation, playing a crucial role in natural selection.
Wallace argues that natural selection is a continuous process. What does this mean?
- Natural selection never stops operating on populations
- Natural selection is always changing in response to environmental changes
- Natural selection is a gradual process that occurs over long periods
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Wallace emphasizes that natural selection is a continuous and ongoing process. It never stops operating on populations, constantly shaping traits in response to changing environmental conditions. This gradual process can lead to significant evolutionary changes over time.
Darwinism suggests that the human species is also subject to natural selection. What are some examples of human traits that might have been influenced by natural selection?
- Intelligence
- Height
- Skin color
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Human traits like intelligence, height, and skin color are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. While natural selection might have played a role in shaping these traits over time, it is important to acknowledge that culture and other factors also contribute to human variation.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “selective pressure.” What is selective pressure?
- The force that drives natural selection
- The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce
- The ability of a trait to be passed down from parents to offspring
- The ability of a trait to increase an organism’s fitness
Correct Answer: The force that drives natural selection
Correct Answer Explanation: Selective pressure refers to the environmental forces that influence natural selection. These forces can include factors like competition for resources, predation, disease, and climate change. Selective pressures determine which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction, shaping the evolution of populations.
Wallace highlights the role of “variation” in natural selection. What is variation?
- The differences in traits among individuals within a population
- The ability of a species to change over time
- The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce
- The ability of an organism to adapt to its environment
Correct Answer: The differences in traits among individuals within a population
Correct Answer Explanation: Variation refers to the differences in traits among individuals within a population. This variation can involve physical features, behaviors, or physiological processes. It is the presence of variation that provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “sexual selection.” What is sexual selection?
- The process by which individuals with desirable traits are more likely to find mates and reproduce
- The process by which species become more similar over time
- The process of species changing over time
- The process of species becoming extinct
Correct Answer: The process by which individuals with desirable traits are more likely to find mates and reproduce
Correct Answer Explanation: Sexual selection is a form of natural selection driven by the competition for mates. Individuals with traits that make them more attractive to potential partners are more likely to find mates and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring.
Wallace uses the example of the peacock’s tail to illustrate sexual selection. What is the role of the peacock’s tail in sexual selection?
- It helps the peacock to attract mates and reproduce
- It helps the peacock to defend its territory from rivals
- It helps the peacock to camouflage itself from predators
- It helps the peacock to fly more efficiently
Correct Answer: It helps the peacock to attract mates and reproduce
Correct Answer Explanation: The peacock’s tail is a classic example of sexual selection. Its elaborate and colorful display serves to attract female peacocks, who choose mates based on the attractiveness of their tails. This preference for elaborate tails has driven the evolution of this striking trait in male peacocks.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “coevolution.” What is coevolution?
- The evolution of two or more species in response to each other
- The evolution of new species from a common ancestor
- The process by which species become more similar over time
- The process of species becoming extinct
Correct Answer: The evolution of two or more species in response to each other
Correct Answer Explanation: Coevolution describes the reciprocal evolutionary changes that occur between two or more species that interact closely. This can involve predator-prey relationships, symbiotic interactions, or competition for resources. As one species evolves, it can exert pressure on the other species, leading to adaptations in both.
Wallace highlights the role of “isolation” in speciation. What does isolation refer to in this context?
- The separation of populations by geographical barriers
- The separation of populations by genetic differences
- The separation of populations by behavioral differences
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Isolation in speciation refers to the separation of populations, preventing gene flow between them. This separation can be caused by geographical barriers (such as mountains or oceans), genetic differences that prevent interbreeding, or behavioral differences that limit mating. Isolation allows for the independent evolution of populations, leading to genetic divergence and potentially the formation of new species.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “adaptive radiation.” What is adaptive radiation?
- The rapid diversification of a species into many new species
- The evolution of new species from a common ancestor
- The process by which species become more similar over time
- The process of species becoming extinct
Correct Answer: The rapid diversification of a species into many new species
Correct Answer Explanation: Adaptive radiation describes the rapid evolution of a single ancestral species into a wide range of species, each adapted to a different ecological niche. This can occur when a species colonizes a new environment with diverse resources, leading to the exploitation of different food sources, habitats, or lifestyles.
Wallace emphasizes that natural selection is a powerful force in shaping life on Earth. What is one of the key implications of this idea?
- Evolution is an ongoing process, and species are constantly changing
- The diversity of life on Earth is a result of natural selection
- The human species is also subject to natural selection
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The idea that natural selection is a powerful force has several key implications. It implies that evolution is an ongoing process, species are constantly changing, the diversity of life on Earth is a result of this process, and even the human species is subject to natural selection.
Darwinism challenges pre-Darwinian views on species origins. What was a common belief about species before Darwin and Wallace?
- Species were created by a divine being and remained unchanged
- Species were constantly changing and evolving
- Species were formed by natural selection
- Species were influenced by the environment
Correct Answer: Species were created by a divine being and remained unchanged
Correct Answer Explanation: Before Darwin and Wallace, the prevailing view was that species were created by a divine being and remained unchanged over time. This view, known as special creation, was challenged by Darwin and Wallace’s theory of evolution by natural selection.
In Darwinism, Wallace presents the concept of “gradualism.” What is gradualism?
- The idea that evolution occurs in small, incremental steps over time
- The idea that evolution occurs rapidly in response to environmental pressures
- The idea that evolution is a random process with no direction
- The idea that evolution is driven by divine intervention
Correct Answer: The idea that evolution occurs in small, incremental steps over time
Correct Answer Explanation: Gradualism is the idea that evolution occurs through a series of small, incremental changes over time. This is in contrast to the idea of punctuated equilibrium, which proposes that evolution can occur in bursts of rapid change.
Darwinism highlights the role of the environment in shaping species. What are some examples of environmental factors that can influence evolution?
- Climate change
- Predation
- Competition for resources
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Environmental factors such as climate change, predation, and competition for resources can exert pressure on populations, selecting for traits that increase survival and reproduction. These pressures drive the evolutionary process, shaping the characteristics of species over time.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “fitness landscape.” What is a fitness landscape?
- A metaphorical representation of the relationship between an organism’s traits and its fitness
- A physical map of the distribution of species in an environment
- A diagram showing the evolutionary history of a species
- A model of the genetic structure of a population
Correct Answer: A metaphorical representation of the relationship between an organism’s traits and its fitness
Correct Answer Explanation: A fitness landscape is a metaphorical representation of the relationship between an organism’s traits and its fitness. It is a visual analogy that helps to understand how natural selection shapes traits. The landscape is characterized by peaks and valleys, where the peaks represent high fitness and the valleys represent low fitness.
Wallace argues that natural selection is a powerful force for adaptation. What does adaptation refer to in this context?
- The process by which organisms become better suited to their environment
- The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce
- The ability of an organism to learn and change its behavior
- The ability of an organism to outcompete others for resources
Correct Answer: The process by which organisms become better suited to their environment
Correct Answer Explanation: Adaptation refers to the process by which organisms evolve traits that increase their chance of survival and reproduction in a particular environment. This can involve changes in physical features, behaviors, or physiological processes.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “evolutionary arms race.” What is an evolutionary arms race?
- A process of coevolution where two or more species continuously evolve adaptations to counter each other’s adaptations
- The competition between different species for dominance
- The struggle between individuals within a population for resources
- The struggle for survival in a hostile world
Correct Answer: A process of coevolution where two or more species continuously evolve adaptations to counter each other’s adaptations
Correct Answer Explanation: An evolutionary arms race is a process of coevolution where two or more species continuously evolve adaptations to counter each other’s adaptations. This can occur between predators and prey, parasites and hosts, or competing species. As one species evolves an adaptation, it puts pressure on the other species to evolve a counter-adaptation, leading to an ongoing cycle of evolutionary change.
Darwinism challenges the idea of a fixed and unchanging species. What is one of the key implications of this idea?
- Species are constantly changing and evolving
- The human species is also subject to natural selection
- The diversity of life on Earth is a result of natural selection
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The idea that species are not fixed and unchanging has several key implications. It implies that species are constantly changing and evolving, the human species is also subject to this process, and the diversity of life on Earth is a result of this ongoing evolutionary change.
Wallace argues that natural selection is not a random process. What evidence supports his argument?
- Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, which are not random
- Natural selection favors individuals with advantageous traits, which are not random
- Natural selection is a guided process, directed by a higher power
- Natural selection is a complex process that cannot be explained by randomness
Correct Answer: Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, which are not random
Correct Answer Explanation: Natural selection is not a random process because it is driven by environmental pressures. These pressures, such as climate change, availability of food, and predation, are not random events but exert pressure on populations, selecting for traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “gene flow.” What is gene flow?
- The movement of genes between populations
- The change in gene frequencies within a population
- The random loss of genes from a population
- The introduction of new genes into a population
Correct Answer: The movement of genes between populations
Correct Answer Explanation: Gene flow refers to the movement of genes between populations. This can occur through migration, interbreeding, or the dispersal of pollen or seeds. Gene flow can introduce new genetic variation into populations, reducing genetic differences between them and potentially preventing speciation.
Wallace presents the idea that natural selection can lead to the evolution of “complex adaptations.” What are some examples of complex adaptations?
- The human eye
- The wings of birds
- The camouflage of chameleons
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Complex adaptations are intricate structures or behaviors that are well-suited to their function. Examples include the human eye, which is a sophisticated organ capable of detecting light and creating images; the wings of birds, which allow for flight; and the camouflage of chameleons, which helps them to blend in with their surroundings.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “genetic drift.” What is genetic drift?
- The random change in gene frequencies within a population
- The movement of genes between populations
- The introduction of new genes into a population
- The loss of genetic variation within a population
Correct Answer: The random change in gene frequencies within a population
Correct Answer Explanation: Genetic drift is the random change in gene frequencies within a population. This is a chance phenomenon that can occur due to factors like small population size, founder effects, or bottlenecks. Genetic drift can lead to the loss of genetic variation within a population, potentially affecting its ability to adapt to changing environments.
Darwinism provides a framework for understanding the evolution of life on Earth. What is one of the key implications of this framework?
- Evolution is an ongoing process
- The human species is also subject to natural selection
- The diversity of life on Earth is a result of natural selection
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Darwinism’s framework for understanding evolution has several key implications. It implies that evolution is an ongoing process, the human species is also subject to this process, and the diversity of life on Earth is a result of this ongoing evolutionary change.
Wallace emphasizes that natural selection is a powerful force for adaptation. What is the role of adaptation in the survival of species?
- It helps species to survive and reproduce in their environment
- It helps species to outcompete other species
- It helps species to evolve new traits
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Adaptation plays a crucial role in the survival of species. It helps species to survive and reproduce in their environment by evolving traits that make them better suited to their specific conditions. This includes traits that help them to find food, avoid predators, withstand harsh weather, or attract mates. Adaptation also helps species to outcompete other species for resources, leading to the evolution of new traits that give them an advantage in their struggle for existence.
In Darwinism, Wallace discusses the concept of “phylogeny.” What is phylogeny?
- The evolutionary history of a species or group of species
- The study of the distribution of species in an environment
- The process of species becoming extinct
- The formation of new species from existing ones
Correct Answer: The evolutionary history of a species or group of species
Correct Answer Explanation: Phylogeny refers to the evolutionary history of a species or group of species. It traces the relationships between organisms, reconstructing their evolutionary lineage and identifying their common ancestors. Phylogeny is crucial for understanding the diversity of life and the patterns of evolution that have shaped the tree of life.