Evolutionary Biology Exam 2
Exam FSU
Questions and Answers
Verified Solutions Latest Update
,Evolutionary Biology Exam 2 Exam FSU
Verified Questions and Answers Latest Version
1. Under the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, which of the following is NOT an
assumption?
A. No mutation
B. Random mating
C. Large population size
D. High rate of migration
Answer: D
Rationale: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes no migration (gene flow), no mutation,
no selection, random mating, and an infinitely large population.
2. If the frequency of a recessive allele (q) is 0.4, what is the frequency of the
homozygous dominant genotype in a population at HWE?
A. 0.36
B. 0.16
C. 0.48
D. 0.60
Answer: A
Rationale: If q = 0.4, then p = 1 - 0.4 = 0.6. The homozygous dominant frequency is p^2,
which is 0.6 * 0.6 = 0.36.
, 3. Which evolutionary force is most likely to reduce genetic variation within a
small population over time?
A. Mutation
B. Migration
C. Genetic drift
D. Disruptive selection
Answer: C
Rationale: Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies and typically leads
to a loss of genetic variation, especially in small populations.
4. A trait that is shared by two or more taxa and their most recent common
ancestor is called a:
A. Homoplasy
B. Synapomorphy
C. Symplesiomorphy
D. Autapomorphy
Answer: B
Rationale: A synapomorphy is a shared derived character used to define monophyletic
groups.
5. Which process results in the formation of a new species due to a physical
geographic barrier?
A. Allopatric speciation
B. Sympatric speciation
C. Polyploidy
D. Parapatric speciation
Answer: A
Rationale: Allopatric speciation occurs when populations become geographically isolated
from one another.
Exam FSU
Questions and Answers
Verified Solutions Latest Update
,Evolutionary Biology Exam 2 Exam FSU
Verified Questions and Answers Latest Version
1. Under the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, which of the following is NOT an
assumption?
A. No mutation
B. Random mating
C. Large population size
D. High rate of migration
Answer: D
Rationale: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes no migration (gene flow), no mutation,
no selection, random mating, and an infinitely large population.
2. If the frequency of a recessive allele (q) is 0.4, what is the frequency of the
homozygous dominant genotype in a population at HWE?
A. 0.36
B. 0.16
C. 0.48
D. 0.60
Answer: A
Rationale: If q = 0.4, then p = 1 - 0.4 = 0.6. The homozygous dominant frequency is p^2,
which is 0.6 * 0.6 = 0.36.
, 3. Which evolutionary force is most likely to reduce genetic variation within a
small population over time?
A. Mutation
B. Migration
C. Genetic drift
D. Disruptive selection
Answer: C
Rationale: Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies and typically leads
to a loss of genetic variation, especially in small populations.
4. A trait that is shared by two or more taxa and their most recent common
ancestor is called a:
A. Homoplasy
B. Synapomorphy
C. Symplesiomorphy
D. Autapomorphy
Answer: B
Rationale: A synapomorphy is a shared derived character used to define monophyletic
groups.
5. Which process results in the formation of a new species due to a physical
geographic barrier?
A. Allopatric speciation
B. Sympatric speciation
C. Polyploidy
D. Parapatric speciation
Answer: A
Rationale: Allopatric speciation occurs when populations become geographically isolated
from one another.
