BIO320 Evolutionary Biology LATEST FINALS REVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Which of the following describes the concept of "punctuated
equilibrium" in evolutionary biology?
 a) Gradual evolutionary changes in species over time
 b) Sudden changes in the environment causing rapid evolution
 c) Long periods of stasis in species punctuated by rapid
evolutionary changes
 d) Continuous small adaptations that lead to significant change
over time
 Ans: c) Long periods of stasis in species punctuated by rapid
evolutionary changes
2. What is the primary mechanism by which genetic drift affects
populations?
 a) Changes in gene frequencies due to random sampling in
small populations
 b) Competition for resources leading to natural selection
 c) Migration of individuals leading to gene flow
 d) Beneficial mutations becoming more common in the
population
 Ans: a) Changes in gene frequencies due to random
sampling in small populations