Adaptation: The Case of Penguins

Charles Darwin learned from the work of

• a.William Paley.
• b.The Count de Buffon.
• c.Jean Baptiste Lamarck.
• d.All of the Above

The concept of adaptation can be described as the adjustments in fit between organisms and their environment.

• a.true
• b.false

What is the driving force behind adaptive evolution?

• a.better regulation of body heat
• b.more efficient digestion
• c.increased reproductive success
• d.increased size

Which of the following are "problems" that drive evolutionary adaptation?

• a.all of the below
• b.availability of food
• c.predator-prey relationships
• d.climate

What is the main reason why penguins develop a thick layer of blubber?

• a.It acts as a reserve store of energy.
• b.It serves as insulation from the cold.
• c.It provides cushioning on the hard ice.
• d.It allows them to toboggan on their bellies.

Many animals have behaviors, such as preening, that are directly related to their evolutionary adaptations. What purpose does preening serve penguins?

• a.it helps waterproof feathers
• b.it helps feathers grow better
• c.it helps during reproduction
• d.it serves no purpose

Why do penguins sometimes expose their feet?

• a.as a sign of aggression
• b.to warm them in the sun
• c.to cool off
• d.to allow them to dry

How do Emperor and King penguins keep their eggs and young chicks warm?

• a.by carrying them on their feet
• b.by breathing on them
• c.their eggs and chicks do not need to be kept warm
• d.by sitting on them

The process of evolutionary adaptation is limited to

• a.penguins.
• b.only cold weather animals.
• c.all animals and plants except humans.
• d.all living organisms.

Which statement below best describes the relationship between natural selection and adaptation?

• a.Natural selection and adaptation both describe how animals change.
• b.Natural selection describes how organisms change and adaptation explains why.
• c.Natural selection is the opposing force of adaptation in the environment.
• d.Organisms undergo adaptive evolution as a response to natural selection.

A certain species of seed-eating bird lives on a remote island. Many young have recently been born with shorter beaks that can crush seeds more quickly. What factor is most likely responsible for this adaptation?

• a.A decrease in competition for shelter.
• b.A decrease in temperature.
• c.An increase in competition for food.
• d.An increase in predators.

Organisms are constantly adapting so that they

• a.are able to have a variety of food resources.
• b.are better able to survive and reproduce in their environment.
• c.can expand their population into new areas.
• d.can push other competitive species out of their environment.