Question

multiple choice: choose the best answer for each question.

1. the trees these moths used to live on were white, but have been covered in soot and lost their lichens from coal factory pollution. which moth is more evolutionarily \fit\ in this environment?

a. dark moth
b. light moth
c. both will be equally successful
d. neither will be successful

1. what word describes in general, a trait that helps an organism survive and/or reproduce in its environment?

a. variation
b. mutation
c. camouflage
d. adaptation

1. why is the mouse population changing over time?

a. the light mice can reproduce more successfully than the dark mice
b. the hawks eat more dark mice than light mice because the dark mice taste better
c. the hawks eat more light mice than dark mice because they can see the light mice more easily
d. the hawks eat more dark mice than light mice because they can see the dark mice more easily

1. these moths are all the same species. the differences between their wings is an example of

a. natural selection
b. variation
c. homeostasis
d. extinction

1. evolution occurs through

a. individuals changing to suit their environment
b. individuals learn new traits and pass them on
c. no change in the environment can cause a species to change
d. small changes passed down through many generations

Explanation:

1. When the trees are covered in soot (dark - colored), dark moths are less visible to predators (like birds) compared to light moths. So, dark moths are more likely to survive and reproduce, making them more evolutionarily "fit" in this environment.
2. Adaptation is a general term for a trait that helps an organism survive and/or reproduce in its environment. Variation is differences among individuals, mutation is a change in DNA, and camouflage is a type of adaptation (a more specific term).
3. If hawks can see light mice more easily, they will eat more light mice. Then, dark mice, which are less likely to be eaten, will survive and reproduce more, changing the population over time.
4. Variation refers to the differences within a species. Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common. Homeostasis is maintaining a stable internal environment, and extinction is the disappearance of a species.
5. Evolution occurs through small changes (mutations, genetic variations) that are passed down through many generations. Individuals do not change traits to suit the environment in a way that is passed on (Lamarckian ideas are incorrect). A change in the environment can cause a species to change.

Answer:

1. a. Dark moth
2. d. Adaptation
3. c. The hawks eat more light mice because they can see the light mice more easily
4. b. Variation
5. d. small changes passed down through many generations