Evolution Quiz

For each statement, indicate whether the statement is TRUE, FALSE, or UNCERTAIN.

1. Scientists consider the theory of evolution an explanation of how life developed on Earth.

2. According to the Theory of Evolution, humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor.

3. Natural Selection is the mechanism by which evolution occurs.

4. Theories are supported by facts and evidence, and can be revised if new evidence is found.

5. Only atheists (those who do not believe in God) believe the Theory of Evolution.

6. Creationism and Intelligent design are considered to be viable alternative theories.

7. Because there is a missing link, the Theory of Evolution cannot be proven.

8. Schools are required by law to teach the Theory of Evolution.

9. If evolution gains more support, it will become a LAW.

10. In its simplest form, evolution means that species change over time.

*scroll for answers**

Content by Shannan Muskopf; biologycorner.com

Answers / Explanations

1. Scientists consider the theory of evolution an explanation of how life developed on Earth. True - it is also called the "unifying theory of biology" because it explains the diversity of life on the planet.

2. According to the Theory of Evolution, humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor. True - based on DNA evidence, morphology, and biochemistry

3. Natural Selection is the mechanism by which evolution occurs.True - Evolution as a theory existed before Darwin, Darwin proposed the mechanism by which it occurs, Natural Selection. We now also understand artificial selection, sexual selection, and coevolution

4. Theories are supported by facts and evidence, and can be revised if new evidence is found. True Theories are often revised and changed as new evidence is found. Advancements in genetics have expanded what we know about evolution.

5. Only atheists (those who do not believe in God) believe the Theory of Evolution. False - even the catholic church acknowledges that evolution does not conflict with with the Bible's account of creation. Most religions have their own philosophy about evolution, admittedly some do deny it outright, but many do not. Related Article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/4588289/The-Vatican-claims-Darwins-theory-of-evolution-is-compatible-with-Christianity.html

6. Creationism and Intelligent design are considered to be viable alternative theories. False - neither ideas qualify as a scientific theory. Science can only deal with natural observable phenomena. While someone may believe in creationism, there is no test, observation or experiment that would support or refute such a claim.

7. Because there is a missing link, the Theory of Evolution cannot be proven. False - missing links are expected because the fossil record will never be complete, we discover new fossils every day and continue to add to our knowledge

8. Schools are required by law to teach the Theory of Evolution. False - each district determines its own curriculum based on state and federal guidelines. It is, however, illegal to each creaionism as a scientific theory.

9. If evolution gains more support, it will become a LAW. False - this is a misconception about the term theory and law, a theory does not become a law. Theories are intended to explain data and observations, to tie them together in some meaninful way. Laws generally tell us what we universally know to be true, what we can expect to happen in a given circumstance. Theories do not "graduate" to become laws, as both serve different purposes in science. =

10. In its simplest form, evolution means that species change over time. True - most people don't dispute that species change, though some feel that there is some limit on how much a species can change. Biologist cannot confirm that such a limit exists, and given enough time, major changes can occur within a group.