Natural selection Quiz
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5 questions, one answer each
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1. What is the main scientific explanation for how organisms have evolved?
- A. Lamarck's theory of acquired characteristics
- B. The theory of evolution by natural selection
- C. Random mutation with no selection
- D. Deliberate adaptation by organisms
2. Why is Lamarck's theory now considered incorrect in the vast majority of cases?
- A. Because organisms cannot show any variation
- B. Because changes acquired during an organism's lifetime cannot generally be passed on to offspring
- C. Because natural selection does not involve genes
- D. Because evolution does not take place over long time scales
3. In natural selection, why are well-adapted individuals more likely to pass on their genes?
- A. They are more likely to survive and reproduce successfully
- B. They actively choose to change their characteristics
- C. They are the only individuals capable of reproduction
- D. They are unaffected by genetic variation
4. What is the first stage in the formation of a new species through natural selection?
- A. Speciation
- B. Isolation of two populations
- C. Loss of all genetic variation
- D. Immediate loss of fertility
5. How is it determined that two separated populations have become different species?
- A. They live in different countries
- B. They can no longer produce fertile offspring together
- C. They have different coloured fur or skin
- D. They have stopped growing in size