Question 1
What does the gene pool of a population represent?
A. The total number of individuals in the population.
B. The complete set of unique alleles in the population.
C. The most dominant traits in the population.
D. The number of species in the population.
Question 2
Which of the following is essential for evolution to occur within a population?
A. Genetic uniformity
B. Genetic variation
C. Temporal isolation
D. Geographic convergence
Question 3
What is a key mechanism in the formation of new species?
A. Genetic similarity
B. Reproductive isolation
C. Gene flow
D. Allele uniformity
Question 4
How does gradual speciation occur?
A. Rapid divergence due to a sudden event
B. Slow divergence due to different selection pressures
C. Instantaneous formation of a new species
D. Convergence of different species
Question 5
What can lead to abrupt speciation?
A. Stable environmental conditions
B. Slow genetic divergence
C. A sudden event or environmental change
D. Prolonged gene flow
Question 6
a) Define the term "gene pool" and explain how it represents the genetic diversity within a population. [3]
b) Describe how a change in allele frequencies within a gene pool over time is indicative of evolution. Provide an example to support your answer. [4]
Question 7
a) Explain the concept of reproductive isolation and describe how it can lead to the formation of new species. [4]
b) Differentiate between gradual speciation and abrupt speciation, providing an example for each. [3]
Question 8
a) Discuss the importance of genetic variation within a population for the process of evolution to occur. [3]
b) Explain how geographic isolation can lead to reproductive isolation and, subsequently to speciation. Provide an example. [4]
Question 9
a) Define what is meant by the term "gene pool" and explain how it is a representation of the genetic diversity of a population. [3]
b) Discuss the role of reproductive isolation in the process of speciation and describe three mechanisms by which it can occur. [4]
c) Compare and contrast gradual and abrupt speciation, providing real-world examples to illustrate the differences. [4]
Question 10
a) Explain why genetic variation is essential for evolution and describe how it can arise within a population. [4]
b) Discuss how temporal and behavioural isolation can lead to reproductive isolation and, eventually speciation. [3]
c) Provide an example of abrupt speciation and explain the factors that contributed to the rapid formation of a new species. [4]