AP Biology : Evolution and Genetics
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Example Questions
Example Question #271 : Evolution And Genetics
Which of the following is true regarding the process of stabilizing selection?
It decreases genetic diversity
It favors individuals with extreme phenotypes
It has the same impact as disruptive selection
It increases genetic diversity
It decreases genetic diversity
Stabilizing selection is a type of selection that decreases genetic diversity and stabilizes an optimum trait. In this situation, there is selection against extreme phenotypes. It is the opposite of disruptive selection and similar to purifying selection.
Example Question #272 : Evolution And Genetics
Which of the following is true regarding the process of directional selection?
It is the same as disruptive selection
Allele frequency doesn't shift over time
One phenotypic extreme is selectively advantageous
Phenotype is pushed to both extremes
One phenotypic extreme is selectively advantageous
Directional selection is a type of natural selection in which one extreme phenotype is selectively advantageous. In other words, individuals with this trait are more likely to be reproductively successful. In this type of selection, one advantageous allele increases in frequency over time.
Example Question #273 : Evolution And Genetics
Which of the following is not true regarding the process of disruptive selection?
It increases genetic diversity
It favors extreme traits in the population
It favors intermediates in the population
It is the opposite of stabilizing selection
It favors intermediates in the population
Disruptive selection is a type of natural selection in which the extremes of a phenotype are favored. This means that there is active selection against intermediates. It increases genetic diversity and is the opposite of stabilizing selection.
Example Question #15 : Identify Evolutionary Change Mechanisms
Which of the following best describes what happens to the frequency of a certain allele in the process of positive selection?
It increases in frequency
It decreases in frequency
There is no change in the allele's frequency
The allele disappears from the gene pool
It increases in frequency
Positive selection is a type of natural selection in which the frequency of an allele increases.
Example Question #16 : Identify Evolutionary Change Mechanisms
Which of the following best describes what happens to the frequency of a certain allele in the process of negative selection?
The allele disappears from the gene pool
It increases in frequency
It decreases in frequency
There is no change in the allele's frequency
It decreases in frequency
Negative selection is a type of natural selection in which the frequency of an allele decreases.
Example Question #274 : Evolution And Genetics
Which of the following best represents an example of sexual selection?
Selection for traits that aid in predator avoidance
Selection for antibiotic resistance in microorganisms
Selection for brightly colored plumage to attract female birds
Selection for mechanisms that prevent polyspermy
Selection for brightly colored plumage to attract female birds
Sexual selection is selection for traits that confer greater reproductive success. This includes selection for traits that better attract mates.
Example Question #275 : Evolution And Genetics
Which of the following is not true regarding heterozygote advantage?
An example in humans is sickle cell anemia
Heterozygosity confers lower fitness
Heterozygosity may confer both advantages and disadvantages
Heterozygotes have an advantage in the population
Heterozygosity confers lower fitness
The heterozygote advantage is when a heterozygote phenotype increases fitness, as compared to both homozygote phenotypes. An example of this in human populations is sickle cell anemia—a condition where red blood cells cannot properly transport oxygen. Individuals that are heterozygotes are resistant to malaria. The example of sickle cell anemia demonstrates that heterozygosity may confer advantages and disadvantages, but homozygosity only confers a disadvantage.
Example Question #276 : Evolution And Genetics
Which of the following best defines interference competition?
Members of the same species compete for the same resources
Indirect competition between two species hunted by the same predator
Indirect competition through a limiting resource
Direct competition between individuals through aggression
Direct competition between individuals through aggression
Interference competition is a type of competition that occurs directly between individuals through the use of aggression.
Example Question #277 : Evolution And Genetics
Which of the following best defines apparent competition?
Members of the same species compete for the same resource
Direct competition between individuals through aggression
Indirect competition through a limiting resource
Indirect competition between two species hunted by the same predator
Indirect competition between two species hunted by the same predator
Apparent competition is defined as indirect competition between two species being hunted by the same predator.
Example Question #278 : Evolution And Genetics
Which of the following is not an example of intraspecific competition?
Organisms of one species of grass competing for sunlight
Two species of grass competing for sunlight
Flamingoes fighting for mates
Two male red deer fighting for mates
Two species of grass competing for sunlight
Intraspecific competition is a type of competition that occurs between individuals of the same species. All of the given examples feature intraspecific competition except “two species of grass competing for sunlight,” because it describes competition between two species instead of within the same species.
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