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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What may occur if one organism changes dramatically over time?
(a) They might become extinct.
(b) They might begin to migrate.
(c) They might become a member of a different variety.
(d) They might become a member of a different species.

2. What type of organisms will not fossilize?
(a) Species with bones.
(b) Soft creatures.
(c) Insects.
(d) Sea animals.

3. How do some scientists demonstrate the differences between species and variations?
(a) Scientific method.
(b) Fossil records.
(c) Natural breeding.
(d) Through hybrids.

4. Why is instinct NOT well-defined?
(a) No one can agree on a definition for instinct.
(b) It covers too many behaviors.
(c) They change rapidly.
(d) It is elusive.

5. What happens to the offspring when two of the same distinct species interbreed?
(a) Fertile.
(b) Sterile.
(c) Eaten by parents.
(d) Migrate after birth.

6. How do breeders know if the traits they breed into cows are useful?
(a) They appear at birth.
(b) They appear in adulthood.
(c) They appear in late childhood.
(d) They appear prior to birth.

7. In Chapter 8, according to Darwin's example, what domesticated variety is NOT able to reproduce?
(a) Maize.
(b) Ants.
(c) Mongrel.
(d) Spiders.

8. What does Darwin suggest that freshwater fish could develop through selection?
(a) Ability to breathe out of water.
(b) Lungs.
(c) Ability to live in salt water.
(d) Gills.

9. What does the fossil record show about new species?
(a) They are variations of fossils.
(b) They did not exist in ancient times.
(c) They are different species.
(d) They did exist in ancient times.

10. To what degree do hybrids resemble one parent?
(a) No resemblance.
(b) Small degrees.
(c) Extreme degrees.
(d) Moderate degrees.

11. What is one of the most serious objections to natural selection?
(a) Age of Earth.
(b) Lack of links between species.
(c) Darwin's credibility.
(d) Religious objections.

12. In Geographical Distribution continued, what does Darwin suggest about the rule of natural selection?
(a) It applies to all species.
(b) There is a common ancestor.
(c) It is different on islands.
(d) It does not apply to all species.

13. What does the bone structure of the human hand resemble?
(a) Fin of a fish.
(b) Wing of a bat.
(c) Hoof of a horse.
(d) Paw of a dog.

14. What does the lack of some species on oceanic islands suggest about the theory that all land mass was once connected?
(a) It was very long ago.
(b) It is true.
(c) It is false.
(d) It is a recent occurrence.

15. What does Darwin suggest about variations of species in terms of examining the fossil records?
(a) Variation is consistent.
(b) All species evolve.
(c) Evolution goes in stages.
(d) Variation is not consistent.

Short Answer Questions

1. For natural selection to be true, what could be suggested about transitional forms?

2. In ancient times, why were whales classified as fish?

3. Which of the following refers to offspring with parents from two different species?

4. What does the fossil record show about natural selection?

5. What period in time can explain many migrations due to climate change?

(see the answer keys)

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