Patterns of Evolution
Biology ⇒ Evolution and Diversity
Patterns of Evolution starts at 10 and continues till grade 12.
QuestionsToday has an evolving set of questions to continuously challenge students so that their knowledge grows in Patterns of Evolution.
How you perform is determined by your score and the time you take.
When you play a quiz, your answers are evaluated in concept instead of actual words and definitions used.
See sample questions for grade 11
Context: A species of insect evolves resistance to a pesticide, and over time, the plant it feeds on evolves new chemical defenses. What pattern of evolution is illustrated here?
Context: Two species of birds live on different islands but have evolved similar beak shapes due to eating similar types of seeds. What pattern of evolution does this represent?
Context: Two species of frogs living in the same area develop different mating calls to avoid interbreeding. What pattern of evolution does this represent?
Describe how adaptive radiation can lead to increased biodiversity on an island.
Describe how divergent evolution can lead to speciation.
Describe how mimicry can be an example of coevolution.
Describe the main difference between convergent and parallel evolution.
Explain how environmental pressures can lead to convergent evolution.
Explain the difference between homologous and analogous structures, providing one example of each.
Explain why the eyes of octopuses and mammals are considered an example of convergent evolution.
Explain why the forelimbs of whales, bats, and humans are considered homologous structures.
Context: A flowering plant species is introduced to a new continent where it encounters a novel pollinator. Over generations, the plant evolves a new flower shape that matches the pollinator’s feeding structure. What pattern of evolution does this scenario exemplify, and what evidence would support your conclusion?
Context: Fossil evidence shows that two unrelated lineages of marine reptiles from the Mesozoic era developed streamlined bodies and flippers, despite originating from different terrestrial ancestors. What does this suggest about the influence of environmental factors on evolutionary patterns?
Context: In a remote archipelago, a single species of lizard colonizes several islands. Over thousands of years, each island population develops unique coloration and scale patterns, but all retain the same diet and general body shape. Explain which pattern(s) of evolution are illustrated in this scenario and justify your answer.
Describe how genetic drift could influence patterns of evolution in small, isolated populations, and explain how this might differ from the effects of natural selection.
Explain why vestigial structures are considered evidence for divergent evolution, providing one example.
Context: Fossil records show that horses evolved from small, multi-toed ancestors to large, single-toed animals over millions of years, with several intermediate forms. Which pattern of evolution does this best illustrate, and what evidence supports your answer?
Context: In a mountainous region, a single species of butterfly becomes separated by a newly formed river. Over thousands of years, one population develops bright coloration to mimic a toxic species found only on one side of the river, while the other population remains dull-colored. Explain which pattern(s) of evolution are demonstrated and justify your reasoning.
Context: In a region where a new predator is introduced, several prey species independently evolve faster running speeds over a short period. Which evolutionary pattern is most likely responsible for this change, and why?
Describe how the concept of punctuated equilibrium differs from gradualism in explaining patterns of evolution, and provide an example of a situation where punctuated equilibrium might be observed.
