Lab: Natural Selection-Standard Bio 4.2

Question 1

In this lab, the three flocks of birds changed in numbers between generation 1 and generation 3. Why? Check all reasons.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

If a flock’s beak type made it easier to pick up the available food, the flock grew.; If a flock’s beak type made it harder to pick up the available food, the flock shrunk.

Question 2

How does nature “select” phenotypes, such as bird beaks? Check all correct explanations.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Traits that suit the environment enable an organism to reproduce in greater numbers.; Traits that do not suit an environment make it harder for an organism to stay alive and reproduce.

Question 3

Which possible outcome below would not have supported the hypothesis?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

if generation 3 had flock distributions similar to those shown in the graph below

Question 4

The data of this lab ✔ supporteddid not supportwas inconclusive for the hypothesis because there was a difference in bird

Revolt · Accepted Answer

supported; Selection 1: supported; Selection 2: when fruit was removed.

Question 5

Darwin studied actual birds on the Galapagos Islands instead of using a simulation, as you did in this lab. Studying natural selection in the field can be challenging. List at least three possible challenges Darwin might have faced.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Traits other than beak type might affect natural selection; it could take many generations to observe adaptations in a population; the environment may be complex and hard to study; changes in the environment may occur faster or slower than changes to the birds; the birds may be interdependent with other organisms that may change, too.

Question 6

Galapogos tortoises have a number of shell variations, shown right. What are the advantages of choosing a system examining the beaks of finches instead of the shells of tortoises? Check all that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Birds have shorter lifespans, making generations shorter.; The bird population is likely much greater, allowing for more data.; Birds are easier to track and monitor.

Question 7

The graphs above show a change in distribution of beak phenotypes X, Y, and Z over 10 generations. Notice that Beak X completely disappears from the population by Generation 5, but reappears by Generation 10. Could this occur in nature? How?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Yes, the alleles for Beak X could remain in the population as a recessive gene.

Question 8

Compare and contrast genetic engineering to the process of natural selection. Select all statements that are true.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

By selecting the genetic information that is passed on to future generations, genetic engineering is similar to natural selection.; By selecting the genetic information that is passed on to future generations, genetic engineering can happen at a different rate than natural selection.; Like natural selection, genetic engineering may be used on all organisms, including humans.

Question 9

Researchers can genetically select lettuce crops to cultivate for pest resistance. One of the concerns scientists have about genetically selected crops is that some traits for pest resistance may affect the texture of lettuce.What question could be asked to begin this investigation by looking at a measurable dependent variable?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

What is the effect of crop selection for pest resistance on the toughness of lettuce leaves?

Question 10

An organism has two different possible traits, A and B. A graph of the population is shown right. Which of the following statements is true about Trait B? Check all that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

It decreased in frequency over time.

Lab: Natural Selection-Standard Bio 4.2 Answers

More from this Course

TRY EDGENUITY HACKS