Evolution Theory: A Comprehensive Guide for 6th Grade Science

Question 1

Which of these does NOT cause a species to evolve?

Accepted Answer

Farming

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence that supports the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Selective breeding

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Similarities in body structures

Answer

DNA sequence similarities

Question 3

Which of the following is **not** a type of evidence that supports the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Molecular biology

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution that can cause populations to change over time?

Accepted Answer

Selective Breeding

Answer

Natural Selection

Answer

Genetic Drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 5

In the theory of evolution, which process is the main cause of changes in populations over time?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a scientific source of evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

The Bible

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Molecular biology

Question 7

In natural selection, what undergoes the process of selection?

Accepted Answer

Traits of living organisms

Answer

Non-living factors in the environment

Answer

Random genetic mutations

Answer

Adaptations developed by organisms

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a valid scientific line of evidence supporting the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Theories of Intelligent Design

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Molecular biology

Question 9

Which of these is NOT a natural mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 10

What did Charles Darwin mean by 'Evolution by Natural Selection'?

Accepted Answer

The gradual change in traits over generations.

Answer

The sudden appearance of new organisms.

Answer

The interbreeding of different species.

Answer

The ability of organisms to change appearance based on needs.

Question 11

Which of the following does NOT support the theory that all living things share a common ancestor?

Accepted Answer

The theory of intelligent design suggests that a higher power created all living things.

Answer

Fossil evidence shows that different groups of organisms have changed over time.

Answer

Similar body structures in different organisms suggest a common ancestor.

Answer

The geographical distribution of different organisms supports the idea of a common ancestor.

Question 12

What is NOT considered scientific evidence?

Accepted Answer

Believing a theory is correct without testing

Answer

Examining fossils to show species have changed over time

Answer

Observing DNA similarities to show relationships between species

Answer

Using technology to make new discoveries

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a type of scientific evidence that supports the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Intelligent design

Answer

Fossils

Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Molecular biology

Question 14

Which of these processes is NOT a natural mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a scientifically accepted mechanism that drives evolution?

Accepted Answer

Intelligent design

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a scientific piece of evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Personal beliefs

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Selective breeding

Question 17

How do scientists NOT use fossils to study the history of life on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Predict the exact future course of evolution

Answer

Compare body structures of fossils to living organisms to understand evolutionary relationships

Answer

Use radiometric dating to determine the age of fossils

Answer

Study the geological context of fossils to infer ancient environments

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a natural mechanism that drives changes in populations over time?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 19

Which real-life example shows how habitat loss can lead to extinction?

Accepted Answer

The Dodo bird disappeared because its habitat was destroyed and it was hunted.

Answer

Bacteria that resist antibiotics are growing because antibiotics are overused.

Answer

The California condor population is growing because people are protecting it.

Question 20

Which of these processes leads to adaptation and variety within a population?

Accepted Answer

Natural Selection

Answer

Selective Breeding

Answer

Genetic Drift

Question 21

When examining fossils, what does a gap in the fossil record suggest?

Accepted Answer

Possible evidence of missing transitional forms

Answer

Complete extinction of an organism

Answer

Lack of evolutionary change over time

Answer

Evidence of common ancestry among different species

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a natural mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection

Answer

Natural selection

Question 23

Genetic drift can cause changes in a population's genetic makeup over time. What is the main reason for genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events

Answer

Non-random mating

Answer

Changes in selective pressures

Answer

Migration of individuals between populations

Question 24

How do scientists use fossils to compare the physical traits of ancient organisms to those of present-day species?

Accepted Answer

Comparative anatomy

Answer

Relative dating

Answer

Radiometric dating

Question 25

Natural selection favors organisms with traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment. What is a result of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Traits that aid survival are passed on to offspring.

Answer

Environmental factors do not affect survival.

Answer

All organisms with a trait have equal survival chances.

Answer

Natural selection only happens in labs.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a valid form of scientific evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Observing an animal change its appearance over its lifetime

Answer

Similarities in the DNA of different species

Answer

Fossil records showing changes in species over time

Question 27

What causes genetic drift, the process that can alter a population's genetic makeup over time?

Accepted Answer

Random changes in allele frequencies

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Question 28

When comparing fossils to living organisms, scientists often observe a key difference in their physical makeup. Which of the following best describes this difference?

Accepted Answer

Fossils typically preserve only the hard parts of organisms, like bones, while living organisms have soft tissues too.

Answer

Fossils often show signs of weathering or damage, unlike living organisms.

Answer

Fossils are always significantly smaller in size compared to living organisms.

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a type of scientific evidence that supports the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Weather patterns

Answer

Fossil record

Answer

Embryology

Answer

Molecular biology

Question 30

Which process can lead to a decrease in genetic diversity within a population?

Accepted Answer

Genetic Drift

Answer

Natural Selection

Answer

Gene Flow

Answer

Mutation

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT evidence that supports the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Humans breeding dogs to have specific traits, like shorter legs or longer fur

Answer

Fossils showing changes in organisms over time

Answer

Similar bone structures in different animals, like the wing of a bat and the arm of a human

Answer

Organs or body parts in animals that have no apparent function, like the tailbone in humans

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that contributes to evolution?

Accepted Answer

Symbiosis

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 33

Evolutionary biology has significant ethical and societal implications. Which of the following is a potential concern that arises from the use of evolutionary principles in medicine?

Accepted Answer

The potential for genetic discrimination based on inherited traits.

Accepted Answer

The use of evolutionary principles to justify unethical practices, such as forced sterilization or selective breeding.

Accepted Answer

The development of treatments that only benefit certain populations based on their evolutionary history.

Answer

The use of evolutionary principles to predict the future evolution of diseases.

Question 34

How does coevolution occur?

Accepted Answer

One species evolves in response to changes in another species.

Answer

Two species evolve separately.

Answer

Two species compete for the same resources.

Answer

Two species form a symbiotic relationship.

Question 35

What is the significance of homologous structures in the study of evolution?

Accepted Answer

They indicate that species share a common ancestry.

Answer

They provide evidence for natural selection.

Answer

They demonstrate the role of genetic drift.

Answer

They help determine the age of fossils.

Question 36

Which of the following claims is NOT supported by the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

The Earth is only a few thousand years old.

Answer

All species are constantly evolving.

Answer

Humans are descended from chimpanzees.

Answer

Evolution is a slow and gradual process.

Question 37

Which statement is NOT a core principle of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

The environment remains static over time.

Answer

Individuals with traits that favor their survival and reproduction are more likely to pass on their genes.

Answer

Individuals with traits that are less advantageous have a reduced likelihood of surviving and reproducing.

Answer

Individuals with neutral traits have no advantage or disadvantage in terms of survival and reproduction.

Question 38

What is the term for the process by which species gradually change over time?

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Extinction

Question 39

Who is widely recognized as the founder of the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Answer

Louis Pasteur

Answer

Marie Curie

Question 40

Which of the following best describes the concept of punctuated equilibrium, characterized by long periods of little change followed by shorter periods of rapid change?

Accepted Answer

Long periods of little change, interrupted by shorter periods of rapid change

Answer

Continuous, gradual change over long periods of time

Answer

Evolutionary change primarily driven by random genetic drift

Question 41

What is the term used to describe the gradual change in the inherited traits of a population over generations?

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Variation

Question 42

Who is widely recognized as the father of the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

Isaac Newton

Answer

Albert Einstein

Answer

Marie Curie

Question 43

What is the process called when different populations of the same species become so genetically distinct that they can no longer interbreed?

Accepted Answer

Speciation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Mutation

Question 44

What scientific field examines life's history on Earth and how organisms have changed over time?

Accepted Answer

Paleontology

Answer

Biology

Answer

Geology

Answer

Chemistry

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that drives evolution?

Accepted Answer

Migration

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 46

The process where organisms with advantageous traits have a better chance of surviving and producing offspring is known as:

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Evolution

Question 47

Who is often referred to as the 'father of evolution'?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Answer

Louis Pasteur

Answer

Albert Einstein

Question 48

The principle that states all living things share a common ancestor is known as:

Accepted Answer

Common descent

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Use and disuse

Answer

Inheritance

Question 49

Which of these best describes a key difference between theories and hypotheses?

Accepted Answer

Theories have more supporting evidence

Answer

Hypotheses are more precise

Answer

Theories can't be tested, but hypotheses can

Answer

Hypotheses explain observations, while theories predict future events

Question 50

The gradual change in species over time is called:

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Mutation

Question 51

Which of these is NOT a mechanism that drives evolution?

Accepted Answer

Climate change

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 52

Who is widely recognized as the father of the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

Alfred Russel Wallace

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 53

How does natural selection relate to evolution?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection drives evolution by acting on genetic variation.

Answer

Evolution is the process of natural selection.

Answer

Natural selection and evolution are unrelated.

Answer

Natural selection is a type of evolution.

Question 54

When different species affect each other's evolution over time, what is it called?

Accepted Answer

Coevolution

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Symbiosis

Question 55

What is a limitation of using fossil evidence to construct an evolutionary history of species?

Accepted Answer

Fossils do not represent all species that have existed.

Answer

Fossils always show the exact order in which species evolved.

Answer

Fossils can provide information about the behavior of extinct species.

Question 56

How does genetic drift impact the genetic diversity of small populations, especially in the context of protecting endangered species?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift can cause the loss of beneficial genes and reduce genetic diversity, making it harder for small populations to survive.

Answer

Genetic drift has a greater effect on large populations than on small populations.

Answer

Genetic drift is not a major factor in the evolution of small populations.

Answer

Genetic drift has no impact on the conservation of endangered species.

Question 57

Genetic engineering has the potential to cure diseases and improve food production, but it also raises concerns about unintended consequences. What factors should we consider when deciding whether or not to use genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Both the potential benefits and risks

Answer

Only the potential benefits

Answer

Only the potential risks

Question 58

How do human activities, like climate change or habitat loss, influence the evolution of other species?

Accepted Answer

Accelerate the pace of evolution by introducing new selective pressures

Answer

Increase genetic diversity by creating new habitats

Answer

Have no effect on evolution since species will adapt to any changes

Answer

Slow down the pace of evolution by shielding species from natural selection

Question 59

Molecular clocks are used to estimate the time when two species shared a common ancestor. What factor can affect the accuracy of molecular clocks?

Accepted Answer

They can be influenced by factors like environmental conditions or population size.

Answer

They cannot be used to date evolutionary events in extinct species.

Answer

They are only accurate for closely related species.

Question 60

Which component of an organism is the fundamental unit of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Gene

Answer

Species

Answer

Organ

Answer

Ecosystem

Question 61

According to Darwin's theory, which aspect does natural selection work upon?

Accepted Answer

Heritable variations

Answer

Acquired traits

Answer

Random mutations

Answer

Environmental factors alone

Question 62

Concerning homologous structures, which example is correct?

Accepted Answer

Wings of a bat and wings of a bird

Answer

Eyes of an octopus and eyes of a human

Answer

Fins of a fish and legs of a dog

Answer

Claws of a crab and antennae of an insect

Question 63

The study of Earth's past life forms is known as:

Accepted Answer

Paleontology

Answer

Taxonomy

Answer

Evolutionary biology

Answer

Genetics

Question 64

Which of the following can be an advantage of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Increased adaptability to changing environments

Answer

Enhanced physical strength alone

Answer

Reduced susceptibility to diseases alone

Answer

Improved communication skills alone