Biology Evolution MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: May 13, 2025

1. : Who is credited with proposing the theory of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution?
(A) Charles Darwin
(B) Gregor Mendel
(C) Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
(D) Alfred Russel Wallace

2. : In the context of evolution, what does the term “fitness” refer to?
(A) Physical strength
(B) Ability to survive and reproduce
(C) Beauty and attractiveness
(D) Intelligence

3. : Which type of evolution occurs when two or more species evolve adaptations in response to each other?
(A) Divergent evolution
(B) Convergent evolution
(C) Coevolution
(D) Adaptive radiation

4. : What term is used for structures that have similar functions but different evolutionary origins?
(A) Analogous structures
(B) Homologous structures
(C) Vestigial structures
(D) Adaptive structures

5. : The idea that individual organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation, is central to:
(A) Lamarckism
(B) Natural selection
(C) Genetic drift
(D) Punctuated equilibrium

6. : What does the term “biological fitness” measure in the context of evolution?
(A) Ability to survive and reproduce
(B) Ability to adapt to environmental changes
(C) Physical strength
(D) Intelligence

7. : A random change in the frequency of alleles in a population over time is called ———?
(A) Natural selection
(B) Genetic drift
(C) Gene flow
(D) Artificial selection

8. : In evolutionary terms, what is the role of mutations?
(A) To cause extinction
(B) To accelerate natural selection
(C) To reduce genetic diversity
(D) To introduce new genetic variation

9. : Which concept suggests that evolution occurs in short bursts of rapid change followed by long periods of stability?
(A) Gradualism
(B) Punctuated equilibrium
(C) Adaptive radiation
(D) Convergent evolution