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Evolution – Darwinian & Modern Synthetic Theory, Speciation & Human Evolution Quiz - ICSE Class 12 Biology

Free practice quiz: Evolution – Darwinian & Modern Synthetic Theory, Speciation & Human Evolution (ICSE Class 12 Biology). 51 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations. Play online, no sign-up needed.

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Sample questions

  1. Which of the following is NOT considered a core tenet of Darwinian evolutionary theory?

    1. Variation exists within populations.
    2. Organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
    3. Evolution proceeds through Lamarckian inheritance of acquired characteristics.
    4. Overproduction of offspring leads to a struggle for existence.
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    Answer: C. Evolution proceeds through Lamarckian inheritance of acquired characteristics.

    Darwinian theory emphasizes natural selection acting on pre-existing heritable variations. Lamarckian inheritance, the inheritance of acquired characteristics, was a competing theory that Darwin's work largely refuted.

  2. The gradual accumulation of differences in allele frequencies between a population and its ancestors, due to evolutionary forces, is known as:

    1. Genetic recombination
    2. Hybridization
    3. Phylogenetic divergence
    4. Adaptive radiation
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    Answer: C. Phylogenetic divergence

    Phylogenetic divergence refers to the process by which populations or species evolve separately over time, accumulating genetic differences that can eventually lead to the formation of new species. Genetic recombination is a mechanism within a population, hybridization is the interbreeding of different species, and adaptive radiation is a pattern of diversification.

  3. The theory of gradualism in evolution posits that:

    1. Evolution occurs through long periods of stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of change.
    2. Evolutionary change happens slowly and continuously over long periods.
    3. Major evolutionary changes occur due to large genetic mutations.
    4. Species diversity is primarily driven by catastrophic events.
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    Answer: B. Evolutionary change happens slowly and continuously over long periods.

    Gradualism, as proposed by Darwin, suggests that evolutionary change is a slow, steady accumulation of small modifications over vast stretches of time, leading to the divergence of species.

  4. The molecular clock hypothesis suggests that:

    1. Evolutionary rates are highly variable and unpredictable.
    2. The rate of evolutionary change can be estimated by examining genetic differences.
    3. Fossil evidence is the most reliable indicator of evolutionary time.
    4. Speciation events are always preceded by major environmental shifts.
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    Answer: B. The rate of evolutionary change can be estimated by examining genetic differences.

    The molecular clock hypothesis posits that the rate of accumulation of neutral mutations in DNA or protein sequences is roughly constant over time, allowing scientists to estimate divergence times between species by comparing their genetic sequences.

  5. The concept of 'genetic load' refers to:

    1. The total number of genes in a population.
    2. The proportion of homozygous dominant individuals in a population.
    3. The reduction in fitness caused by the accumulation of deleterious mutations.
    4. The rate at which new beneficial mutations arise.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The reduction in fitness caused by the accumulation of deleterious mutations.

    Genetic load is the average decrease in fitness of a population as a consequence of the presence of deleterious mutations. It represents the burden of harmful alleles within a gene pool.

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