Evolutionary Biology Adaptation: The case of penguins by Iris Saxer, M.A./M.S., Alfred L. Rosenberger, Ph.D. Reading Quiz Teach with this 1. Charles Darwin learned from the work of William Paley. The Count de Buffon. Jean Baptiste Lamarck. All of the Above 2. The concept of adaptation can be described as the adjustments in fit between organisms and their environment. true false 3. What is the driving force behind adaptive evolution? better regulation of body heat more efficient digestion increased reproductive success increased size 4. Which of the following are "problems" that drive evolutionary adaptation? all of the below availability of food predator-prey relationships climate 5. What is the main reason why penguins develop a thick layer of blubber? It acts as a reserve store of energy. It serves as insulation from the cold. It provides cushioning on the hard ice. It allows them to toboggan on their bellies. 6. Many animals have behaviors, such as preening, that are directly related to their evolutionary adaptations. What purpose does preening serve penguins? it helps waterproof feathers it helps feathers grow better it helps during reproduction it serves no purpose 7. Why do penguins sometimes expose their feet? as a sign of aggression to warm them in the sun to cool off to allow them to dry 8. How do Emperor and King penguins keep their eggs and young chicks warm? by carrying them on their feet by breathing on them their eggs and chicks do not need to be kept warm by sitting on them 9. The process of evolutionary adaptation is limited to penguins. only cold weather animals. all animals and plants except humans. all living organisms. 10. Which statement below best describes the relationship between natural selection and adaptation? Natural selection and adaptation both describe how animals change. Natural selection describes how organisms change and adaptation explains why. Natural selection is the opposing force of adaptation in the environment. Organisms undergo adaptive evolution as a response to natural selection. 11. 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 decrease in competition for shelter. A decrease in temperature. An increase in competition for food. An increase in predators. 12. Organisms are constantly adapting so that they are able to have a variety of food resources. are better able to survive and reproduce in their environment. can expand their population into new areas. can push other competitive species out of their environment. Score Quiz
