Evolution misconceptions (answer key)

Statements:
1. Evolution results in progress.
Evolution doesnt necessarily produce perfect organisms; it just allows organisms to
be fit enough to survive. Also, evolution is affected by the environment. Natural
selection produces organisms that are adapted to their own specific environment. We
might think humans are better or more evolved than monkeys, but can we swing
from tree branches? Nowe wouldnt last a week in monkeys ecological niche.
Picture a tree, not a ladder, when thinking about evolution.
2. Individuals Populations evolve.
Evolution is descent with modification. Were looking at the genetic change in the
whole population over time, not within each individual. This takes more than one
generation. Besides, individuals cannot evolve in their lifetime, because most change
isnt caused by our genes.
3. Humans can impact evolution.
True. (Peppered moth)
4. Evolution only occurs can occur slowly and gradually.
Sometimes, but not always. Sometimes, there are sudden changes in the environment
or a mass extinction event that can cause adaptive radiation.
5. Evolutionary theory implies that life evolved randomly, or by chance.
Chance does factor into evolution. For example, mutations are random. However,
selection is non-random. Organisms can pass on traits because these traits help them
survive and reproduce.
6. Evolution is not science because it is not observable or testable.
Science is not just about controlled lab experiments, its a way of thinking. Also,
evolution can be studied with experiments. We have evidence such as fossils that
support the theory of evolution.
7. A trait can be influenced by multiple alleles.
True. Incomplete dominance, skin color, etc.
8. Natural selection involves organisms trying to adapt.
Organisms arent usually trying to adapt, and even if they try, they cannot control
their genes. Its a process that results in adaptation.
9. Species are distinct natural entities with a clear definition.
Not all the time. Sometimes, its difficult to define one species from another (e.g.
bacteria).

10. These phylogenetic trees are interchangeable.

True. All this means is that C & D shared a common ancestor who shared a common
ancestor with B, and so on.
11. Natural selection is one of the mechanisms that drive evolution.
True. Its the main mechanism, but not the only one. Evolutionary change means
descent with modification (genetic change in a population over time), so this can be
caused by mutations, genetic drift, and gene flow.

Evolution misconceptions (rubric)

Well Below

Correct # of
True/False
Correction of
False
Statements

0~3

Pair discussion

Does not know

whether or not
a statement is
false
Does not
contribute to
the discussion

Approaching
Proficiency
4~6

Meets
Proficiency
7~9

Well Above
10~11

Able to correct a Able to correct Able to correct

few of the false
some of the
most of the false
statements
false statements
statements
Attempts to
contribute to
the discussion

Contributes
sufficiently to
the discussion;
brings up valid
points

Leads the
discussion;
challenges
points without
being abrasive