% Chapter 30: Evolution II

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition) Chapter 30
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions
% Chapter 30 Evolution II
Multiple-choice questions
[10165705]
* A new insecticide was developed and has been widely used to kill insects.
Several years later, a large proportion of insects became resistant to this
insecticide. Which of the following is/are illustrated in this phenomenon?
(1) formation of new species due to the changes in the environment
(2) evolution of a species due to the changes in the environment
(3) adaptation of an individual to the changes in the environment
A (1) only
B (2) only
C (3) only
D (2) and (3) only
B
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[10165708]
**Scientific investigations show that marine organisms evolved more slowly than
organisms living on land. Which of the following is most probably the reason?
A Predation is more intense on land than in the sea.
B Marine organisms have a longer life span than organisms living on land.
C The marine environment is more stable than the land environment.
D Mutations occur at a higher rate in organisms living on land.
C
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[10165719]
 In the theory of natural selection, what is the raw material for evolution?
A behavioural variations
B genetic variations
C climate changes
D geographical changes
B
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© Oxford University Press 30-1

[10165724]
* Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which
shows four species of birds (P, Q, R and S) on two islands (X and Y).
Which of the following are involved in the formation of species Q and R?

(1) natural selection
(2) geographical isolation
(3) inheritance of favourable characters
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
D
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[10165726]
* After migration to island Y, species Q gradually evolved into species S. Which of
the following cause(s) this?
(1) geographic isolation between species Q and R
(2) difference in environmental conditions between islands X and Y
(3) inheritance of new characters acquired by species Q on island Y
A (1) only
B (2) only
C (3) only
D (2) and (3) only
B
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[10165735]
 Which of the following statements about natural selection is not correct?
A The existence of variations within species is essential for natural selection to
work.
B When the environment changes, individuals with favourable characters have
a higher chance to survive.
C Acquired characters can be passed on to the offspring and make the
individuals in the later generations quite different from their ancestor.
D The theory of natural selection is known as Darwinism.
C
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[10165770]
 Which of the following statements about variations within a species is/are
correct?
(1) Mutation is one of the causes of these variations.
(2) These variations reduce the chance of extinction of the entire species.
(3) These variations allow the species to survive in adverse conditions.
A (1) only
B (1) and (2) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
D
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[10165776]
* A population of rats P was divided by a new highway into two sub-populations Q
and R. Many years later, Q had more new characters than R. This shows that
A the environmental conditions changed much faster in the habitat of Q than
in that of P.
B the environmental conditions changed much faster in the habitat of Q than
in that of R.
C mutations occurred at a higher rate in Q than in P.
D mutations occurred at a higher rate in Q than in R.
B
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[10165777]
 A species of moths living in a forest has three variations. They have brown, grey
and white bodies and wings respectively. Because of a fungal infection, the tree
trunks in a forest became grey in colour. Many years later, the numbers of the
three varieties of moths would most probably be
A B
C D
D
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[10165780]
 A farmer has used a pesticide to kill insect pests in a crop field for a long time.
More and more insect pests in the crop field have become resistant to the
pesticide because
A the pesticide has induced the production of the pesticide resistance gene.
B the pesticide has activated the expression of the pesticide resistance gene.
C the offspring of the pesticide-resistant pests are all resistant to the pesticide.
D the pesticide acts as a force for the evolution of the pests.
D
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[10165800]
* Which of the following statements about isolation is/are correct?
(1) Geographical isolation happens only when groups of organisms are located
on two separate islands.
(2) Isolation is necessary for speciation.
(3) Isolation stops the gene flow between different groups of organisms.
A (1) only
B (1) and (2) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
C
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[10165823]
* Charles Darwin found that each island of the Galapagos Islands was occupied by
a species of finches. The species on all islands were similar, but each species had
a different beak. Which of the following statements about the finches are correct?
(1) The formation of different species on each island was due to geographical
isolation.
(2) The alleles that were present in the population on each island were different.
(3) Variations among the populations on different islands would become greater
and greater.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
D
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[10165825]
 According to Darwin and Wallace, the process of evolution can be explained by
A heredity.
B reproduction.
C mutation.
D natural selection.
D
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[10165830]
**Due to mutation, a new allele, G, arose in a population of an organism. It is
dominant to another allele in the same locus, g. The graph below shows the
percentage of organisms in the population having allele G over 100 generations
after the appearance of this allele.
Which of the following statements is correct?

A Allele g was completely eliminated after 100 generations as a result of
natural selection.
B Individuals with genotype GG have a higher chance of survival than
individuals with genotype Gg.
C A new species formed after 100 generations.
D Allele G is an allele for a character that favours the survival of the
organisms.
D
---------------------------------------------------
[10165848]
* Which of the following are stated in both Lamarck’s theory and Darwin’s theory
of evolution?
(1) Environmental changes are needed for evolution to occur.
(2) Variations exist between individuals of the same species.
(3) Evolution is an accumulative process.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
B
---------------------------------------------------
[10165858]
* Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which
shows how a population of zebras was separated into two groups, P and Q, by a
river millions years ago.
What kind of isolation is this?

A geographical isolation
B ecological isolation
C behavioural isolation
D mechanical isolation
A
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[10165860]
* The environment in which group P lives has changed drastically while the
environment in which group Q lives has kept nearly the same after the separation
of the population.
Which of the following correctly describe the two groups of zebras millions
years after the separation?
(1) The two groups became two different species.
(2) The body structure of the zebras in group Q is similar to those lived millions
years ago while the body structure of the zebras in group P is very different
from them.
(3) The number of zebras in group P is larger than that in group Q.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A
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[10165869]
* There are two kinds of turtles on an island. Some of them have webs between
their toes while others do not.
Many years ago, the numbers of the two kinds of turtles were nearly equal. When
the weather became dry, the turtles had to search for food in the sea. The
proportion of turtles with webs in the population has greatly increased since then.
Which of the following is an explanation for the change in the proportion of the
two kinds of turtles in the population?
A Some turtles developed webs to meet the need.
B Having webs became a favourable character for the survival of the turtles.
C Webs were developed in the turtles because they swam frequently.
D Mutations that led to the development of webs occurred in different turtles
in the population at the same time.
B
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[10165885]
* Which of the following comparisons between Lamarck’s theory and Darwin’s
theory of evolution is not correct?
Lamarck’s theory Darwin’s theory
A Environmental changes create needs Variation already exists within
that cause the organisms to change. species.
B Individuals can develop new The environment selects those
characters in order to survive. individuals with favourable
characters to survive.
C Newly acquired characters can be Individuals with favourable
passed on to their offspring. characters have a higher chance to
survive and pass their characters
on to their offspring.
D The development of new characters The development of new
is due to behaviour of the characters is due to mutations in
organisms. genetic material.
D
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[10165898]
 Which of the following concepts are included in the theory of natural selection?
(1) struggle for existence
(2) survival of the fittest
(3) speciation
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A
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[10165902]
* Which of the following are included in Darwin’s theory of evolution?
(1) Individuals modify their body structures in response to environmental
changes.
(2) Natural selection acts on individuals of the same species.
(3) Individuals with characters that make them more likely to survive can pass
their characters on to their offspring.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10165907]
* Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can speed up the development of antibiotic
resistance in bacteria because
A antibiotics can induce mutations in bacteria.
B antibiotic-resistant bacteria are more likely to survive and reproduce in the
presence of antibiotics.
C antibiotics can cause bacteria to modify their genetic material.
D bacteria can learn to avoid antibiotics.
B
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[10165921]
 The increase in the number of black peppered moths after the Industrial
Revolution is an example of
A mutation.
B growth.
C natural selection.
D speciation.
C
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[10165923]
* Which of the following is not stated in Darwin’s theory of evolution?
A Evolution is resulted from the accumulation of favourable characters over
many generations.
B Genetic variations provide the raw material for evolution.
C The diversity of life is resulted from the inheritance of acquired characters.
D A change in the environment is the driving force of evolution.
C
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[10165926]
* Which of the following statements about the process of speciation is not correct?
A Speciation is due to the accumulation of acquired characters.
B Separation of a population into isolated groups is needed.
C Gene flow between different groups of organisms has to be stopped.
D Two isolated groups must face different environmental conditions.
A
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[10165939]
 The theory of natural selection was proposed by
A Watson and Crick.
B Mendel.
C Darwin and Wallace.
D Lamarck.
C
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[10165944]
* Which of the following statements best describes evolution?
A It is the process by which new species form.
B It is the process by which acquired characters are passed on to the offspring.
C It is the process by which genetic variations arise in a population.
D It is the process by which the genetic composition of a population changes.
D
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[10165952]
* All races of humans around the world belong to the same species because
A all races look alike.
B all races have evolved from a common ancestor.
C all races have high intelligence.
D all races can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
D
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[10165975]
* Which of the following statements about evolution is not correct?
A Evolution takes place only when the environment is unstable.
B Evolution makes the body structure of the organisms different from their
ancestors.
C Evolution occurs only when the resources needed for the survival of
organisms are limited.
D Evolution is the rebirth of an extinct species.
D
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[10165987]
* Which of the following statements about natural selection is correct?
A Natural selection increases the genetic variations within a species.
B Natural selection involves the inheritance of acquired characters.
C Natural selection allows individuals with favourable characters to survive.
D Natural selection causes individuals to develop adaptive features to meet the
needs of the environment.
C
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Question Bank Short questions
Short questions
[10166125]
* Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was a French botanist who proposed a theory of
evolution prior to the theory of natural selection published by Charles Darwin in
1859.
Lamarck considered that, if an environmental change occurred, individual
organisms would adapt in order to survive. For example, he suggested that if a
giraffe stretched its neck to obtain leaves higher in a tree, this would directly
result in its neck growing longer, i.e. the need to reach higher would cause the
growth of the neck. Offspring from this giraffe would then inherit the longer
neck and, over several generations, continued stretching would further enhance
the length of the neck. Lamarck’s theory has now been largely discarded,
because of our increased scientific knowledge.
a Describe two ways in which Lamarck’s theory differs from the present
theory of evolution by natural selection. (2 marks)
b Suggest how the above account of the theory of evolution illustrates the
tentative nature of scientific knowledge. (1 mark)
CCEA GCE (AS) Biology Module 2 Jun 2013 Q4b–c
-- answer --
a In Lamarck’s theory, acquired characters are passed on to the offspring. In the
present theory, genes are passed on to the offspring. /
Lamarck’s theory takes no account of the genetic variability. The present theory
relies on the genetic variability. /
In Lamarck’s theory, the environment causes the changes. In the present theory,
the environment selects the best adapted individuals. /
Lamarck’s theory operates at an individual level. The present theory operates at a
population level. (any 2) 1m x 2
b One theory is replaced by another when new evidence is considered. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10166132]
* The diagram below shows how antibiotic-resistant bacteria develop.
Use the diagram and your knowledge to explain how antibiotic resistance in
bacteria demonstrates:
a natural selection in action. (3 marks)
b evolution taking place. (1 mark)
CCEA GCSE Science: Single Award Higher Tier Module 2 May 2008 Q6a i–ii
-- answer --
a Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have mutation. 1m
They are able to survive in the presence of antibiotic. 1m
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are able to produce similar offspring that can also
survive in the presence of antibiotic. 1m
b Over time there are more antibiotic-resistant bacteria / fewer normal bacteria in
the bacterial population.
1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166137]
* a Explain how geographical isolation can lead to genetic isolation in the
development of new species. (4 marks)
b Explain why there has been no further speciation of H. sapiens sapiens.
(2 marks)
OCR GCE (A) Human Biology Genetics, Homeostasis and Ageing Jan 2008
Q1d–e

-- answer --
a Each isolated group cannot breed with other groups. 1m
Mutations take place independently to produce different genetic variations in each
group. 1m
Different selection pressure in different groups selects for different genetic
variations. 1m
After a long time, the two groups will have such diverse variations that they can
no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring. 1m
b People travel around the world. / There is no geographical isolation between
people in different places. 1m
There is a lack of selection pressure. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166165]
* The peppered moth exists in two genetic forms: a dark-coloured variety and a
lighter variety as seen in the following photograph.
Fifty moths of each type were released into a wood. The moths can be eaten by
birds, and one week later there were 26 light-coloured moths and 44 of the
darker variety. Explain the difference in the numbers of each. (3 marks)
CCEA GCSE Science: Single Award Higher Tier Module 2 Nov 2008 Q5b
-- answer --
Dark-coloured moths are camouflaged / have a colour similar to the tree trunks while
light-coloured moths are not. 1m
Therefore, more light-coloured moths are eaten by birds. 1m
This is a process of natural selection. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166167]
* Most biologists believe that evolution is the best explanation for the development
of life on earth. Evolution is brought about by natural selection favouring
particular individuals in a population due to them having phenotypes that make
them more likely to survive.
An example can be seen in copper tolerance in some plants. Some plants have a
mutation that makes them copper-tolerant. However, copper-tolerant plants do
not grow as quickly as normal plants.
a Explain what is meant by the term mutation. (2 marks)
b The following table shows the distribution of normal plants and copper-
tolerant plants in an area of land.
Normal plants Copper-tolerant
Ground conditions
(%) plants (%)
Non-contaminated ground 98 2
Copper-contaminated ground 0 100
Use your knowledge and the information given to explain these results.
(4 marks)
CCEA GCSE Science: Single Award Higher Tier Module 2 Nov 2007 Q6a–b
-- answer --
a Mutation is a change in the number / structure 1m
of DNA / gene / chromosome. 1m
b In non-contaminated ground, normal plants grow better. 1m
Some copper-tolerant plants are present in non-contaminated ground due to
mutation. 1m
In copper-contaminated ground, copper-tolerant plants have an advantage / are
able to survive. 1m
Normal plants are unable to survive. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166171]
* Read the following paragraph and answer the questions.
Australian birds appear to have smaller size over the past century because
of global warming. Australian biologist Janet Gardner said modern birds were
up to 4% smaller than their ancestors. ‘Birds, like other animals, tend to be
smaller in a warmer climate in adaptation to heat stress,’ she said.

a State the advantage of birds having a smaller size in a warmer climate.

(2 marks)
b Explain how Australian birds have become smaller in size in terms of
natural selection. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a Birds of smaller size have a larger surface area to volume ratio, 1m
so they lose heat more quickly than birds with larger size. 1m
b There was a variation in body size among their ancestors. 1m
When the climate became warmer, birds of smaller size had a higher chance of
survival and reproduction. 1m
After many generations, birds of smaller size predominated in the population.
1m
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[10166173]
* Monarch butterfly tastes very unpleasant to bird predators. Birds have learnt to
avoid eating it. Viceroy butterfly escapes a considerable amount of predation by
copying the size and colour pattern of monarch butterfly. It is believed that this
similarity in appearance (mimicry) has arisen through natural selection.
Monarch butterfly Viceroy butterfly

a Explain how mimicry of the viceroy butterfly has arisen through natural
selection. (3 marks)
b Explain why humans undergo evolutionary changes much more slower than
butterflies. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a There were variations in size and colour pattern among the ancestors of viceroy
butterflies. 1m
The viceroy butterflies with mimicry had a higher chance of survival and
reproduction. 1m
After many generations, viceroy butterflies with mimicry predominated in the

population. 1m
b Selection pressure on humans is relatively small 1m
because there is no predator feeding on humans and advances in medical
technology help save lives when humans are attacked by diseases. 1m
(or other reasonable answers)
---------------------------------------------------
[10166175]
 The table below shows the coat colour in samples of three populations of a
species of mouse found in different habitats.
Population Coat colour Habitat
X Nearly white White sand with low density of plants
Pale to dark From white sand with low density of plants to
Y
brown darker soil with high density of plants
Z Dark brown Dark soil with high density of plants
a State and explain the mechanism that is operating to maintain the coat
colour difference between populations X and Y. (2 marks)
b If the three populations cannot come into contact for many generations,
each population may evolve into a new species. Describe how this may
occur. (4 marks)
-- answer --
a The habitat of population X has white sand with low density of plants. Mice with
nearly white coat are less easily seen by predators, so they are less likely to be
eaten by predators. They can pass their characters on to the offspring. 1m
The habitat of population Y includes places ranging from white sand with low
density of plants to darker soil with high density of plants. Mice with pale coat are
less easily seen by predators in white sand, while mice with dark brown coat are
less easily seen in darker soil. Therefore, mice with different coat colours can
pass their characters on to the offspring.
1m
b There is no gene flow between the three populations. 1m
Mutations take place within different populations to produce different genetic
variations. 1m
As the three populations face different environmental conditions, natural selection
acts on them in different ways. 1m
After many generations, the three populations will have such diverse variation that
they can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring even if they come into

contact again. The three populations become separate species. 1m

---------------------------------------------------

[10166180]
* A fossil of Sinosauropteryx (中華龍鳥) was found in China in 1996.
Sinosauropteryx shows both features of birds and reptiles. For example, some of
its bones have air space inside like birds, while some do not have air space like
reptiles. Scientists believe that it is the ancestor of birds.
a Explain why having air space in bones is a favourable character for birds.
(1 mark)
b Suggest how evolution has led to the formation of air space in the bones of
birds. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a Presence of air space makes the bones lighter. Lighter bones facilitate flying of
the birds. 1m
b There were variations among the birds. 1m
The birds having air space in their bones have a higher chance of survival and
reproduction. 1m
After many generations, birds having air space in their bones predominated in the
population. 1m
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[10166185]
* a Using Darwin’s theory of evolution, explain why many bacteria are now
resistant to antibiotics. (3 marks)
b Suggest two measures to slow down the development of antibiotic
resistance in bacteria. (2 marks)

-- answer --
a There is a variation in antibiotic resistance among the bacteria. 1m
When antibiotics are used, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have a higher chance of
When antibiotics are used repeatedly, the proportion of the antibiotic-resistant
bacteria increases in subsequent generations. Many bacteria are resistant to
antibiotics after many generations. 1m
b Use antibiotics only when they are truly needed. 1m
Complete the course of antibiotics as advised by doctors. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166186]
 Read the following paragraph and answer the questions.
Before 1800, white peppered moths were the main type of moth in
England. Black peppered moths were rare. During the Industrial Revolution,
smoke and soot darkened the tree trunks. Black peppered moths became
abundant and white peppered moths became rare. By 1886 black peppered
moths dominated in the population. This illustrates rapid evolutionary change.
a Why were black peppered moths rare before 1800? (2 marks)
b Using the theory of natural selection, explain the dominance of black
peppered moths by 1886. (4 marks)
-- answer --
a Black peppered moths were easily seen on the light-coloured tree trunks 1m
and eaten by birds. 1m
b During the Industrial Revolution, the tree trunks were darkened by smoke and
soot. 1m
White peppered moths became easier for birds to see and eat, while black
peppered moths were well camouflaged. 1m
Black peppered moths had a higher chance of survival and reproduction. 1m
After many generations, black peppered moths predominated. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166193]
* Two species of fish with similar features are found in two nearby lakes.
Scientists believe that the two lakes were formed by splitting a large lake
thousands years ago.
a Name the isolation mechanism that leads to the formation of the two

species of fish. (1 mark)

b Describe how the splitting of the lake led to the formation of two different
species of fish. (4 marks)
c Suggest how scientists can obtain evidence to prove that the two species of
fish have arisen from a common ancestor. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a Geographical isolation 1m
b The geographical isolation / splitting of the lake prevented the two groups of fish
from interbreeding. 1m
Mutations took place independently within the two groups to produce different
genetic variations. 1m
As the two groups faced different environmental conditions, natural selection
acted on them in different ways.
1m
After many generations, the two groups had such diverse variation that they could
no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring. The two groups of fish became
two different species. 1m
c By comparing the base sequence of the DNA of the two species. 1m
The more similar the base sequence of their DNA, the more likely they have
arisen from a common ancestor.
1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166212]
 Complete the following sentences using suitable words selected from the list
below. (3 marks)
Darwin Lamarck Both Lamarck and Darwin
a suggested that parents can pass the acquired characters on to

their offspring.
b suggested that parents can pass the traits they born with on to
their offspring.
c suggested that organisms keep on changing.
-- answer --
a Lamarck 1m
b Darwin 1m

c Both Lamarck and Darwin 1m

---------------------------------------------------

Question Bank Structured questions
Structured questions
[10166316]
* The spoil heaps of old copper mines are sparsely populated by plants because of
the toxic levels of copper in the soil. However, copper-tolerant varieties of
grasses such as Common Bent Grass, Agrostis tenuis, can become established in
such habitats. The distribution of copper-tolerant varieties of A. tenuis was
investigated on the spoil heap of an old copper mine, as shown in the diagram
below.
The copper content of the soil and the copper tolerance of the plants was
measured at sites W, X, Y and Z along the transect.
Plants were taken from each of these sites and their copper tolerance was
determined by growing half the plants from each site in a culture solution
without copper ions and the other half in a culture solution with a known
concentration of copper ions.
The mean root growth of the plants in each solution was measured. The
percentage reduction in mean root growth due to the presence of copper ions was
calculated. The results are shown in the table below.
The more copper-tolerant the plants, the smaller the percentage reduction in
mean root growth.
Copper content of soil % reduction in mean root
Site along transect
(ppm) growth
W 750 45
X 350 52
Y 125 67
Z 35 80

a Name two experimental conditions that needed to be controlled in the

investigation into root growth. (2 marks)
b Explain how natural selection has resulted in the distribution of copper
tolerance in A. tenuis as shown in the diagram and the table above.
(7 marks)
OCR GCE (A) Biology Central Concepts Jun 2009 Q5a ii, b
-- answer --
a Temperature / pH of the culture solutions / light intensity / carbon dioxide
concentration / volume of culture solutions / concentrations of other ions in the
culture solutions (any 2 or other reasonable answers) 1m x 2
b Plants at W and X are more tolerant to copper. /
Plants at Z are less tolerant to copper. /
Alleles for copper tolerance appeared due to mutation. /
There was a variation in copper tolerance among individuals in a population. /
Copper was the selection pressure. /
Those with the allele for copper tolerance had a higher chance of survival. /
They had a higher chance of reproduction. /
The frequency of the allele for copper tolerance increased over many
generations. /
Copper tolerance was not an advantage in areas where copper content in the soil
was low.
(any 7 or other reasonable answers) 1m x 7
---------------------------------------------------
[10166328]
* Penicillin has become widely used in hospitals since 1946. The table below
shows the change in the percentage of patients infected with penicillin-resistant
bacteria among the cases of bacterial infection between 1946 and 1948.
Percentage of patients infected with penicillin-
Year
resistant bacteria
1946 14
1947 38
1948 58
a Explain the results in terms of evolution. (3 marks)
b Explain how the method of reproduction of bacteria allows the bacteria to
evolve rapidly. (3 marks)
c Suggest three measures to slow down the evolution of penicillin-resistant

bacteria. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a There was a variation in penicillin resistance among the bacteria. 1m
When penicillin was used, penicillin-resistant bacteria had a higher chance of
When penicillin was used repeatedly, the proportion of penicillin-resistant bacteria
increased in subsequent generations. 1m
b Bacteria reproduce by binary fission. 1m
A certain gene of the parent can be passed on to the next generation directly, so
all the offspring have that gene. 1m
Binary fission in bacteria occurs at a very high rate. 1m
c Use penicillin only when it is truly needed. 1m
Complete the course of penicillin as advised by doctors. 1m
Use penicillin and other antibiotics alternately to kill the bacteria. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166334]
 The diagram below shows an island with two mouse populations, which were
brought to the island by ships years ago.
a Define the term speciation. (1 mark)

b Most of the households on the island keep cats to control mouse population
X while there are no natural enemies of mouse population Y. Scientists
believe that speciation will occur. Describe the process. (5 marks)

c How can we determine whether the two mouse populations are of two
different species? (2 marks)
d Name the type of isolation mechanism that is involved in the process of
speciation. (1 mark)
-- answer --
a Speciation is the process by which new species form. 1m
b The two mouse populations are isolated by mountains / physical barriers. 1m
The two populations cannot interbreed. 1m
Mutations take place within different populations to produce different genetic
variations. 1m
As the two populations face different environmental conditions, natural selection
After many generations, the two populations will have such diverse variation that
they become two separate species. 1m
c If mice from the two populations cannot interbreed to produce fertile offspring
when they come into contact, they are of two different species. 2m
d Geographical isolation 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166375]
 Read the following paragraph and answer the questions.
There were 13 different species of finches on the Galapagos Islands.
Some of them had beaks adapted for eating large seeds, others had beaks for
small seeds. Some had beaks for feeding on buds and fruits, and some had
beaks for feeding on small insects. It appeared that each was slightly modified
from an original finch on the mainland of South America.
a Based on Darwin’s theory of evolution, suggest how the 13 different species

of finches appeared on the Galapagos Islands. (5 marks)
b Using the SARS-causing virus as another example, explain how a new
strain of virus appears when the original strain is transmitted from wildlife
animals to humans. (3 marks)

-- answer --
a Groups of finches from the mainland of South Africa reached different islands.
1m
Due to geographical isolation, mutations took place independently in finches on
different islands to produce different genetic variations. 1m
As finches on different islands faced different environmental conditions, natural
selection acted on them in different ways. 1m
On each island, individuals with favourable characters were more likely to survive
and reproduce. 1m
After many generations, the groups had such diverse variation that they could no
longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring. They became different species.
1m
b There are variations among the original population of SARS-causing viruses.
1m
When the strain is transmitted from wildlife animals to humans, those viruses with
favourable characters for survival in human bodies survive. 1m
They multiply to give a new strain. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166405]
**Malaria is a common disease in Africa. It is caused by infection of malaria
parasites. The parasites reproduce in human liver and red blood cells.
Sickle-cell anaemia is a genetic disease caused by a recessive allele. Red blood
cells of the patients become sickle-shaped. People with one recessive allele are
described as having sickle-cell trait. They have far fewer sickle-shaped red blood
cells in their blood and therefore they show no symptom of sickle-cell anaemia.
It is known that malaria parasites cannot infect the sickle-shaped red blood cells.
The diagrams below show the distribution of malaria parasites and people having
sickle-cell anaemia in Africa.

a By comparing the two diagrams, state how the presence of malaria parasites
affects the distribution of people having sickle-cell anaemia. (1 mark)
b i Explain why people with sickle-cell trait are most likely to survive in
Africa. (4 marks)
ii Sickle-cell anaemia is rare in other parts of the world. Explain why the
proportion of people having sickle-cell anaemia in Africa is much
higher. (3 marks)
c To stop malaria from spreading, pesticides like DDT were used to kill
mosquitoes, which are vectors of malaria. However, DDT soon became
ineffective in killing mosquitoes. Explain why. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a The area with malaria parasites is more likely to have people with sickle-cell
anaemia. 1m
b i Having at least one allele for sickle-cell anaemia increases people’s
resistance to malaria. 1m
People without the allele for sickle-cell anaemia have a higher chance of
infecting malaria and may die. 1m
However, people with two alleles for sickle-cell anaemia develop sickle-cell
anaemia and may die due to the blockage of blood vessels by sickle-shaped
red blood cells. 1m
People with sickle-cell trait remain alive because they have far fewer sickle-
shaped red blood cells. 1m
ii In places without malaria parasites, people carrying an allele for sickle-cell
anaemia do not have survival advantage. 1m
People carrying an allele for sickle-cell anaemia have an advantage
surviving in places with malaria parasites like Africa.
1m
They have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. The proportion of
people having one or two alleles for sickle-cell anaemia increases in

subsequent generations. Therefore, the proportion of people having sickle-

cell anaemia is much higher after many generations. 1m
c There was a variation in DDT resistance among the mosquitoes. 1m
When DDT was used, the DDT-resistant mosquitoes had a higher chance of
When DDT was used repeatedly, the proportion of DDT-resistant mosquitoes
increased in subsequent generations. DDT became ineffective as a result. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10166407]
* The Industrial Revolution began in around 1880. As the use of fossil fuels
increased, air was polluted by the smoke and soot given out.
The diagrams below show the percentage of black peppered moths and white
peppered moths in a country in 1850 and 1950.
a i Describe the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the population of

peppered moths. (2 marks)
ii Explain the effects described in a i by natural selection. (4 marks)
b A clean air campaign was launched by the government in 1960. Since
then, air has become much less polluted. State the expected effect of the
clean air campaign on the population of peppered moths. (1 mark)
c Explain why variations between individuals are beneficial to the
continuation of the species. (1 mark)
-- answer --
a i The proportion of white peppered moths in the population decreased. 1m
The proportion of black peppered moths in the population increased. 1m
ii During the Industrial Revolution, the tree trunks were darkened by smoke
and soot given out. 1m
White peppered moths became easier for birds to see and eat, while black
peppered moths were well camouflaged. 1m
Black peppered moths had a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
1m
Therefore, the proportion of the black peppered moths increased in
subsequent generations. After many generations, the proportion of the
peppered moths changed significantly. 1m
b The proportion of white peppered moths in the population would increase. 1m
c When there is a change in the environment, individuals with characters which
allow them to better adapt to the environment can survive. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166413]
* Indiscriminate use of antibiotics may speed up the development of antibiotic-
resistant bacteria in the bacterial population.
A bacterium reproduces by splitting itself into two. The diagram below shows
the reproduction of bacteria.
a i Name the form of reproduction carried out by bacteria. (1 mark)

ii State what happened during the formation of Z from X. (1 mark)
iii Compare the genetic composition of X, Y and Z. (2 marks)
b If the bacteria in the third generation further reproduced, state the expected
proportion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the population in the later
generations. (1 mark)
c Explain why in an environment of heavy antibiotic use, the proportion of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the population is much higher than that stated
in the answer to b after many generations. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a i Binary fission 1m
ii Mutation 1m
iii The genetic composition of X and Y is identical, 1m
while that of Z is different from them. 1m
b 1/2 1m
c When antibiotics are used, the bacteria that are not resistant to the antibiotics are
likely to be killed. 1m
The antibiotic-resistant bacteria have a higher chance of survival and
reproduction.
1m
With the repeated use of antibiotics, the proportion of the antibiotic-resistant
bacteria increases in subsequent generations. The proportion of antibiotic-
resistant bacteria in the population is much higher after many generations.
1m

---------------------------------------------------

[10166418]
**Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium in soil. It can produce a pest-killing protein.
Genetically modified pest-resistant crops called Bt crops were produced by
introducing the gene for this pest-killing protein into the crops. Some
environmental concern groups warned that the widespread planting of Bt crops
may speed up the development of Bt resistance in the population of pests.
a Based on the theory of natural selection, explain how the widespread
planting of Bt crops may speed up the development of Bt resistance in the
population of pests. (4 marks)
b The diagram below shows a possible solution that may alleviate the
problem. By planting non-Bt crops near the Bt crop field, the Bt-resistant
pests can go to the non-Bt crop field in which most pests are non-resistant.
Explain why this method is effective. (4 marks)
-- answer --
a There is a variation in Bt resistance in the pest population. 1m
Under the widespread planting of Bt crops, non-resistant pests are more likely to
be killed. 1m
The Bt-resistant pests have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. 1m
Therefore, the proportion of Bt-resistant pests increases in subsequent
generations. 1m
b By planting non-Bt crops near the Bt crop field, the Bt-resistant pests are
encouraged to mate with non-resistant pests. 1m
Only some of the offspring resulting from the mating of Bt-resistant pests with
non-resistant pests are Bt-resistant. 1m

The non-resistant pests may have other favourable characters that make them
more likely to survive in the non-Bt crop field. They reproduce and pass their
genes on to the offspring. 1m
The increase in the proportion of the Bt-resistant pests can then be slowed down.
1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166436]
 A species of plant has two forms, X and Y. X grows in shaded regions while Y
grows in sunny places.
Scientists carried out an investigation. They grew same number of X and Y in an
area with many tall trees. Two years later, they cut down all the trees. The graph
below shows how the numbers of X and Y changed during the investigation.
a Suggest two adaptive features that may be present in X for the growth in
shaded regions. (2 marks)
b Explain the change in the numbers of plants by natural selection
i before cutting down the trees. (3 marks)
ii after cutting down the trees. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a X may have large leaves / a large number of leaves. 1m
The leaves of X may contain a large number of chloroplasts / palisade mesophyll
cells. 1m
(or other reasonable answers)

b i The number of X increased and the number of Y decreased. 1m

Before cutting down the trees, the area in which X and Y grew was shaded
by the trees and thus little light could reach the plants.
1m
The plants of form X have structures that favour the growth in shaded
regions. They had a higher chance of survival and reproduction in shaded
environment. Thus their number increased. 1m
ii The number of X decreased and the number of Y increased. 1m
After cutting down the trees, the amount of light reaching the plants
increased. 1m
The plants of form Y have structures that favour the growth in sunny places.
They had a higher chance of survival and reproduction in sunny places.
Thus their number increased.
1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10166464]
 a Briefly describe what natural selection is. (2 marks)
b Darwin illustrated the evolution of the neck of giraffes by his theory of
natural selection. According to his theory, explain how the giraffes evolved
to become long-necked. (6 marks)
-- answer --
a Natural selection is the preservation of favourable characters and the elimination
of unfavourable characters in a population. 1m
It allows those organisms with favourable characters to survive and reproduce.
1m
b The ancestors of modern giraffes had variation in neck length. Some had long
necks and some had short necks. 1m
When the weather became dry for a long time, no grass grew on the ground.
1m
A long neck became a favourable character for survival. 1m
It allowed the giraffes to get leaves from treetops. 1m
Long-necked giraffes survived. They bred and passed on the character of long
neck to their offspring. 1m
After many generations, giraffes with long necks predominated in the population.
1m
---------------------------------------------------

Question Bank Essay
Essay
[10166562]
* Describe how isolation leads to the formation of new species. (10 marks)
-- answer --
Isolation is the separation of a population into different groups so that they cannot
interbreed. 1m
There is no gene flow between the two groups. 1m
Mutations take place within different groups to produce different genetic variations.
1m
Since the isolated groups may face different environmental conditions, natural selection
Organisms with favourable characters will be more likely to survive and reproduce.
They pass the favourable characters on to their offspring.
1m
As the environment continually changes, different genetic variations will be selected.
1m
After many generations, the isolated groups will have such diverse variation that they
can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring even if they come into contact
again. They become different species. 1m
Communication 3m
---------------------------------------------------

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New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition) Chapter 30

Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

© Oxford University Press 30-1

Which of the following are involved in the formation of species Q and R?

© Oxford University Press 30-3

© Oxford University Press 30-4

© Oxford University Press 30-5

Which of the following statements is correct?

What kind of isolation is this?

© Oxford University Press 30-7

© Oxford University Press 30-8

© Oxford University Press 30-9

© Oxford University Press 30-10

© Oxford University Press 30-12

© Oxford University Press 30-13

© Oxford University Press 30-15

a State the advantage of birds having a smaller size in a warmer climate.

Monarch butterfly Viceroy butterfly

© Oxford University Press 30-16

© Oxford University Press 30-17

contact again. The three populations become separate species. 1m

© Oxford University Press 30-18

© Oxford University Press 30-19

© Oxford University Press 30-20

species of fish. (1 mark)

a suggested that parents can pass the acquired characters on to

© Oxford University Press 30-21

c Both Lamarck and Darwin 1m

© Oxford University Press 30-22

© Oxford University Press 30-23

a Name two experimental conditions that needed to be controlled in the

© Oxford University Press 30-24

a Define the term speciation. (1 mark)

believe that speciation will occur. Describe the process. (5 marks)

a Based on Darwin’s theory of evolution, suggest how the 13 different species

© Oxford University Press 30-26

© Oxford University Press 30-27

© Oxford University Press 30-28

subsequent generations. Therefore, the proportion of people having sickle-

© Oxford University Press 30-29

a i Describe the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the population of

a i Name the form of reproduction carried out by bacteria. (1 mark)

© Oxford University Press 30-31

© Oxford University Press 30-32

© Oxford University Press 30-33

© Oxford University Press 30-34

b i The number of X increased and the number of Y decreased. 1m

© Oxford University Press 30-36

© Oxford University Press 30-37

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