Free Evolution MCQs with Answers

814 Evolution MCQs from Biology, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Evolution describes heritable change in populations over generations through variation, natural selection and adaptation. Lamarckism explains inheritance of acquired characteristics, while Darwinism explains selection of favourable inherited variations; these historical explanations must not be confused with the modern genetic account of evolutionary change.

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814 questions · page 20 of 41

  • A. Water
  • B. Hydrogen present in soil
  • C. Hydrogen sulphate
  • D. Hydrogen sulphide

Explanation: Correct option: D , Early photosynthetic organisms used hydrogen sulfide as a source of hydrogen.

Correct answer: Hydrogen sulphide
  • A. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
  • B. The Origin of Species by Natural Selection.
  • C. The Origin of Species
  • D. The Evolution of Species

Explanation: The correct title is *On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection*.

Correct answer: On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
  • A. Replication
  • B. Polymorphism
  • C. Gene linkage
  • D. Gene expression

Explanation: 'Polymorphism' means that different shapes and structures exist. 'A' is not the answer because replication is the division of the cell.

Correct answer: Polymorphism
  • A. Genus
  • B. Family
  • C. Species
  • D. Community

Explanation: The correct answer is Species. In biological terms, a species is defined as a group of individuals that are capable of interbreeding and…

Correct answer: Species
  • A. 1.5 billion years ago
  • B. 4.5 billion years ago
  • C. 1000 million years ago
  • D. 3.5 billion years ago

Explanation: Prokaryotes are believed to have evolved approximately 3.5 billion years ago, making them some of the earliest forms of life on Earth.

Correct answer: 3.5 billion years ago
  • A. Inbreeding
  • B. Ex breeding
  • C. Breeding
  • D. Outbreeding

Explanation: The correct answer is Inbreeding. Inbreeding is the mating between relatives, which can lead to a higher probability of offspring…

Correct answer: Inbreeding
  • A. They have the same organs
  • B. They have common ancestors
  • C. They have similiar appearance
  • D. All of the above options are correct

Explanation: A homologous trait is often called a homolog. In genetics, the term "homolog" is used both to refer to a homologous protein and the gene (…

Correct answer: They have common ancestors
  • A. Increased
  • B. Decreased
  • C. No change
  • D. None of these

Explanation: An evolutionarily successful allele tends to increase in frequency within a population because it confers a survival or reproductive…

Correct answer: Increased
  • A. Fossil record
  • B. Vestigial structures
  • C. Common ancestor organisms
  • D. None of these

Explanation: The correct answer is 'None of these' because all of the listed options are valid evidence for evolution.

Correct answer: None of these
  • A. Rate of spontaneous mutation
  • B. Levels of aggression
  • C. Increases genetic diversity
  • D. Expression of deleterious recessive traits

Explanation: Inbreeding occurs when closely related individuals mate. This increases the chance that offspring inherit two copies of the same allele…

Correct answer: Expression of deleterious recessive traits
  • A. Use and disuse of organs
  • B. Inheritance of acquired characteristics
  • C. Natural selection
  • D. Both A and B

Explanation: Lamarck's theory of evolution centers on two main ideas: the use and disuse of organs and the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Correct answer: Both A and B
  • A. When the populations begin to eat different foods
  • B. When there is a physical barrier, such as a river, between the two populations
  • C. When the two populations have not been in contact with one another for two hundred years
  • D. When they are no longer able to interbreed

Explanation: Speciation is defined by the biological concept of species, which states that species are groups of interbreeding natural populations that…

Correct answer: When they are no longer able to interbreed
  • A. Genetic drift
  • B. Mutation
  • C. Migration
  • D. Natural selection

Explanation: The question describes the definition of a genetic drift, which is a change in the frequency of alleles that occurs purely by chance.

Correct answer: Genetic drift
  • A. How giraffes got their long neck
  • B. How humans lost their tails
  • C. How humans became bipedal
  • D. All of these

Explanation: Lamarckism posits that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.

Correct answer: All of these
  • A. No observable evidence
  • B. Clear, observable evidence
  • C. Vague, hypothetical signs
  • D. Confusing, random patterns

Explanation: Evolution provides clear and observable evidence that is well-documented through scientific research.

Correct answer: Clear, observable evidence
  • A. Canterbury in western England
  • B. Shrewsbury in western England
  • C. Canterbury in eastern England
  • D. Shrewsbury in eastern England

Explanation: Charles Darwin, the renowned naturalist known for his contributions to the theory of evolution, was born on February 12, 1809, in…

Correct answer: Shrewsbury in western England
  • A. Lamarck
  • B. Darwin
  • C. Aristotle
  • D. Lyell

Explanation: The correct answer is Lamarck. He introduced the concept that traits acquired in an organism's lifetime could be inherited by its…

Correct answer: Lamarck
  • A. Forelimbs of humans and bats
  • B. Wings of birds and insects
  • C. Beaks of Darwin's finches
  • D. All of the above options are correct

Explanation: The correct answer is the wings of birds and insects. This represents convergent evolution, where both groups independently developed…

Correct answer: Wings of birds and insects
  • A. Morphological similarities
  • B. Fossil record
  • C. Vestigial characteristics
  • D. All of the above

Explanation: All the provided options are correct, as they each offer evidence of evolution from a common ancestor.

Correct answer: All of the above
  • A. Population
  • B. Fossils
  • C. Vestigial organs
  • D. Homologous organs

Explanation: The correct answer is Fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains or impressions of organisms from the geological past, typically found in…

Correct answer: Fossils