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IB DP Biology Questions

10.3 Gene Pools and Speciation

Question 1

What does the gene pool of a population represent?

A. The total number of individuals in the population.

B. The complete set of unique alleles in the population.

C. The most dominant traits in the population.

D. The number of species in the population.

Question 2

Which of the following is essential for evolution to occur within a population?

A. Genetic uniformity

B. Genetic variation

C. Temporal isolation

D. Geographic convergence

Question 3

What is a key mechanism in the formation of new species?

A. Genetic similarity

B. Reproductive isolation

C. Gene flow

D. Allele uniformity

Question 4

How does gradual speciation occur?

A. Rapid divergence due to a sudden event

B. Slow divergence due to different selection pressures

C. Instantaneous formation of a new species

D. Convergence of different species

Question 5

What can lead to abrupt speciation?

A. Stable environmental conditions

B. Slow genetic divergence

C. A sudden event or environmental change

D. Prolonged gene flow

Question 6

a) Define the term "gene pool" and explain how it represents the genetic diversity within a population. [3]

b) Describe how a change in allele frequencies within a gene pool over time is indicative of evolution. Provide an example to support your answer. [4]

Question 7

a) Explain the concept of reproductive isolation and describe how it can lead to the formation of new species. [4]

b) Differentiate between gradual speciation and abrupt speciation, providing an example for each. [3]

Question 8

a) Discuss the importance of genetic variation within a population for the process of evolution to occur. [3]

b) Explain how geographic isolation can lead to reproductive isolation and, subsequently to speciation. Provide an example. [4]

Question 9

a) Define what is meant by the term "gene pool" and explain how it is a representation of the genetic diversity of a population. [3]

b) Discuss the role of reproductive isolation in the process of speciation and describe three mechanisms by which it can occur. [4]

c) Compare and contrast gradual and abrupt speciation, providing real-world examples to illustrate the differences. [4]

Question 10

a) Explain why genetic variation is essential for evolution and describe how it can arise within a population. [4]

b) Discuss how temporal and behavioural isolation can lead to reproductive isolation and, eventually speciation. [3]

c) Provide an example of abrupt speciation and explain the factors that contributed to the rapid formation of a new species. [4]

Question 11

What is the role of reproductive isolation in speciation?

A. It promotes gene flow between populations.

B. It prevents gene flow, leading to divergence.

C. It increases the genetic similarity between species.

D. It causes the convergence of different species.

Question 12

Which of the following is a form of reproductive isolation?

A. Genetic convergence

B. Behavioral isolation

C. Allele frequency stability

D. Environmental similarity

Question 13

What is the significance of a population’s gene pool in the process of evolution?

A. It represents the stability of allele frequencies.

B. It determines the rate of gene flow between species.

C. It represents the genetic diversity available for selection.

D. It indicates the number of individuals in the population.

Question 14

How does geographic isolation contribute to speciation?

A. By promoting gene flow

B. By preventing mating and gene flow

C. By increasing genetic similarity

D. By reducing selection pressures

Question 15

What distinguishes gradual speciation from abrupt speciation?

A. The rate of genetic convergence

B. The speed at which populations diverge

C. The stability of the environment

D. The level of genetic diversity

Question 16

a) Describe the concept of a gene pool and explain how changes in allele frequencies within a gene pool signify evolution. [3]

b) Outline the mechanisms of reproductive isolation and explain how they contribute to the divergence of populations and speciation. [4]

c) Differentiate between gradual and abrupt speciation, illustrating your answer with examples of each. [4]

Question 17

a) Discuss the importance of a diverse gene pool for the adaptability and survival of a population. [3]

b) Explain how geographic isolation can act as a mechanism of reproductive isolation, leading to the formation of new species. Provide an example. [4]

c) Compare the processes of gradual and abrupt speciation and give examples of organisms that have undergone each type of speciation. [4]

Question 18

a) Define the term "gene pool" and discuss its significance in representing the genetic diversity of a population. [3]

b) Explain the concept of evolution as a change in allele frequencies over time. How does genetic variation within a population facilitate this process? [4]

c) Describe three mechanisms of reproductive isolation and discuss how each can contribute to speciation. [4]

d) Differentiate between gradual and abrupt speciation, providing examples and explaining the conditions under which each can occur. [4]

Question 19

a) Discuss the importance of genetic diversity within a gene pool for the adaptability and survival of a population in a changing environment. [3]

b) Describe how reproductive isolation is a key mechanism in speciation and provide examples of temporal, behavioural, and geographic isolation. [4]

c) Compare and contrast the processes and outcomes of gradual and abrupt speciation, using real-world examples. [4]

d) Explain how a sudden change in the environment can lead to abrupt speciation and discuss the implications for the species involved. [4]

Question 20

a) Explain the role of the gene pool in representing the genetic diversity of a population and why this diversity is crucial for evolution. [3]

b) Discuss the concept of reproductive isolation and describe how temporal, behavioral, and geographic isolation can lead to the formation of new species. [4]

c) Differentiate between gradual speciation and abrupt speciation, providing examples and discussing the factors that contribute to each. [4]

d) Discuss the potential consequences of abrupt speciation for the ecological community and the newly formed species. [4]

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