Test 1. potential questions

Explain how evolutionary theory has changed over time using four key ideas from

the chain of being, through the 1800s, the early to mid 1900s, to today. (8 marks)

Q2. Although we know evolution is ‘directionless’ and not forward-thinking, some traits

have continuously ‘improved’ over time. Give an example of such a trait from two

different species - two examples total. (3 marks)

Q3. Which of these had the least influence on Darwin’s work and writing? (1 mark)

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Knowledge of inheritance, as discovered by Gregor Mendel

His work as a naturalist aboard the H.M.S. Beagle

His experience with medicine as a student and as the son of a physician

The writings of Thomas Malthus on human populations and resources

Correspondence with Alfred Russel Wallace and other naturalists of his time

Explain the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium theory, including its assumptions, and then

explain the microevolutionary processes of natural selection, genetic drift, and gene

flow. (10 marks)

Q5. Which mutation is most likely to become fixed? (1 mark)

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) A neutral or nearly neutral mutation in a large population

A beneficial mutation in an extremely large population

A benign mutation in a small population

A beneficial mutation in a small population

A harmful mutation in a small population

Q6. Why is an understanding of evolutionary processes so important to conservation?

Describe, using a real or theoretical example, two key ways in which evolutionary

information could be used to inform conservation practices. (4 marks)

Q7. Anthropogenic climate change is taking place at such a fast rate that many species

will fail to adapt quickly enough to avoid extinction. Which of the following may

constrain evolution in response to human-induced climate change? (1 mark)

(a) (b) Lack of heritable genetic variation for relevant traits

Genetic correlations between relevant traits and other traits that conflict with the

direction of selection

(c) Loss of genetic variation in relevant traits by genetic drift in dwindling

populations

(d) Lack of new mutations that allow adaptation to new climate conditions

(e) All of the above

Q8. For a certain species, FST has been measured at 0.337. Predict the dispersal ability

(high/low), generation time (long/short), and population size (large/small) of this

species. (3 marks)

Q9. Imagine a population of butterflies that vary in wing colour. Suddenly, butterflies

with orange wings experience increased predation compared to those with grey

wings. What type of selection would we expect to occur in this scenario, and what

would the affect be on the frequency of each wing colour in the population? (3

marks)

Natural selection was proposed by Darwin and Wallace (1858) as the mechanism for evolution.

a. How did Darwin define natural selection?

b. How do we define natural selection now?

Aotearoa has a unique biota, found nowhere else in the world.

a. Give five factors that have contributed to the evolution of Aotearoa’s

biodiversity;

AND

b. briefly explain how each factor has shaped Aotearoa’s biodiversity. Give

examples where you can.