Practise IB Biology SL D4.1 by tracing heritable variation and changing selection pressures through survival, reproduction and shifts in population traits.
51 questions in this syllabus scope, with question parts counted together.
141 papers analysed · Tagging incomplete
What is a result of natural selection?
Variation among members of a species
Heritable mutations occurring in the gametes
A decrease in the frequency of certain characteristics
Production of more offspring than survive to reproductive age
Mutations and sexual reproduction both play a role in generating variation, upon which natural selection acts. What describes how variation is generated?
I. Mutations generate new alleles.
II. Mutations generate new combinations of alleles.
III. Sexual reproduction generates new alleles.
I only
III only
II and III only
I and III only
State the immediate consequence of a species producing more offspring than the
environment can support.
Explain the consequence of overpopulation on the survival and reproduction of better adapted individuals within a population.
Darwin described evolution as "descent with modification". What would make evolution less probable?
Stable environment
Migration
Variation in offspring
Random mutation
Mice (Mus musculus) have various defence systems against predators such as foxes (Vulpus vulpus) or stoats (Mustela erminea). The mice release specific alarm compounds when under threat that serve as danger signals for other mice. Predators also release scents that the mice can detect.
In one study, mice were exposed to paper soaked in compounds taken from other mice, foxes or stoats in a test chamber. The scientists then measured the reaction of three different groups of neurons used in smelling: G1, G2 and G3, as shown in the diagram.
The percentage of G1, G2 and G3 neurons responding to the mouse, fox and stoat compounds, as well as a control compound, are shown in the chart.
Discuss whether natural selection would favour the transgenic EBF-producing thale cress plants if they were released into the wild.
A central idea in the theory of evolution is that species may evolve gradually over time from a common ancestor.
Which statement(s) explain(s) the pattern of evolution seen in the diagram?
I. Beak shape shows genetic variability in the common ancestor.
II. Changes in beak shape that occur during the lifetime of an individual bird are passed on to the next generation.
III. Changes in beak shape are heritable and make each species better adapted to its environment.
II only
I and II only
I and III only
I, II and III
A bird of paradise (Ptiloris victoriae) has very showy plumage and demonstrates a unique dance.
What type of selection pressure could have caused this plumage to evolve?
Interspecific competition
Abiotic factors
Paradigm shift
Sexual selection
John Endler's experiments modelled sexual and natural selection in Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) by controlling selection pressures.
What did the experiments of John Endler demonstrate?
Guppies have no predators in their natural habitat.
Male guppies prefer dull-coloured females for mating.
Predation influences the colour of guppies in different environments.
Guppies are not affected by the presence of other fish species.
