Introduction

Are you struggling to complete the Nova Labs Evolution Lab? Do you need the answer key to get a better understanding of the concepts? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with the Nova Labs Evolution Lab answer key and a detailed explanation of each question. Let’s dive in!

Question 1

The first question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about the concept of natural selection. The correct answer is option B, “Individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.”

Explanation

Natural selection is a mechanism that drives evolution. It is the process by which organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce, while those with less favorable traits do not. This leads to the accumulation of beneficial traits in a population over time.

Question 2

The second question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about the difference between homologous and analogous structures. The correct answer is option A, “Homologous structures are similar in structure but have different functions, while analogous structures have similar functions but different structures.”

Explanation

Homologous structures are features that have the same basic structure but different functions. They are evidence of a common ancestor. For example, the wings of birds and the arms of humans are homologous structures. Analogous structures, on the other hand, have different structures but perform similar functions. They are not evidence of a common ancestor. For example, the wings of birds and the wings of insects are analogous structures.

Question 3

The third question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The correct answer is option D, “The allele frequencies in a population will remain constant if certain conditions are met.”

Explanation

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is a principle in population genetics that states that the allele frequencies in a population will remain constant from one generation to the next if certain conditions are met. These conditions include a large population size, random mating, no mutation, no migration, and no natural selection.

Question 4

The fourth question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about genetic drift. The correct answer is option C, “Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequencies that occurs in small populations.”

Explanation

Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that occurs in small populations. It is a random change in allele frequencies due to chance events, such as the death of individuals. Genetic drift can have a significant impact on the genetic makeup of a population over time.

Question 5

The fifth question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about the founder effect. The correct answer is option B, “The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population.”

Explanation

The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population. The genetic makeup of the new population is determined by the alleles present in the founding individuals. This can lead to a loss of genetic diversity and the accumulation of deleterious alleles.

Question 6

The sixth question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about speciation. The correct answer is option A, “Speciation is the process by which new species arise.”

Explanation

Speciation is the process by which new species arise. It occurs when a population becomes reproductively isolated from other populations and evolves independently. This can happen through a variety of mechanisms, such as geographic isolation, behavioral isolation, or temporal isolation.

Question 7

The seventh question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about the types of natural selection. The correct answer is option C, “Directional, stabilizing, and disruptive.”

Explanation

Natural selection can take different forms depending on the selective pressures acting on a population. The three main types of natural selection are directional, stabilizing, and disruptive. Directional selection favors individuals with extreme traits, while stabilizing selection favors individuals with intermediate traits. Disruptive selection favors individuals with both extreme traits, leading to the formation of two distinct subpopulations.

Question 8

The eighth question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about the role of mutation in evolution. The correct answer is option B, “Mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation.”

Explanation

Mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation in a population. It creates new alleles that can be acted upon by natural selection. Without mutation, there would be no genetic variation and no evolutionary change.

Question 9

The ninth question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about the relationship between evolution and adaptation. The correct answer is option A, “Adaptation is a result of evolutionary change.”

Explanation

Adaptation is a process by which organisms become better suited to their environment through natural selection. It is a result of evolutionary change, as populations with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of adaptations in a population.

Question 10

The tenth and final question in the Nova Labs Evolution Lab is about convergent evolution. The correct answer is option D, “Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar traits in unrelated species.”

Explanation

Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar traits in unrelated species. This can happen when different species face similar environmental pressures and evolve similar adaptations. For example, the wings of birds and bats are similar in function but evolved independently.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Nova Labs Evolution Lab answer key. We hope this guide has helped you understand the concepts of evolution and natural selection. Remember, evolution is an ongoing process that shapes the diversity of life on Earth. Keep exploring and learning!