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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which term refers to a type of variation that is NOT inherited and only affects individuals?
(a) Organism variation.
(b) Indefinite variation.
(c) Species variation.
(d) Definite variation.

2. What can be said about the range of species that are closely related?
(a) They are restricted.
(b) They are typically large.
(c) They are typically very small.
(d) They are unrestricted.

3. What term refers to those organisms that survive despite the struggle for resources?
(a) Circle of life.
(b) Natural selection.
(c) Artificial selection.
(d) Hereditary modification.

4. In Chapter 1: Variation Under Domestication, what animal does Darwin give as an example for being perfectly adapted for catching its food?
(a) Bull.
(b) Tiger.
(c) Woodpecker.
(d) Beaver.

5. What do most organisms have a very good ability to do?
(a) Alter their biological makeup.
(b) Adapt.
(c) Reproduce.
(d) Migrate.

Short Answer Questions

1. What typically happens to a species that begins to vary and forms two distinct species?

2. What is unique about variation in polymorphic species?

3. Which of the following is a radical change in the structure or behavior of an organism?

4. What type of relationship do organisms have with one another?

5. What does the absence of complete facts with Darwin's theory open the theory up to?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can the geology of mountains and valleys be related to natural selection?

2. Regarding Darwin's example of the pigeon in Chapter 1, why is the pigeon easily determined to be descended from a single species?

3. Why are the laws of inheritance still not understood?

4. What is the importance of indefinite variations?

5. How do variations occur in the wild?

6. What must be examined in order for Darwin's theory to be considered plausible?

7. Why isn't it safe to assume that regions that are physically connected in the present day were connected in the past?

8. What is the ultimate result of the constant struggle to live?

9. Why does Darwin suggest his methods of study are inadequate?

10. Is there a cycle to the struggle for existence? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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