Evolution: Patterns & Evidence Flashcards

Front

Two species that are closely related would have:
Options:
1. Highly similar DNA sequences and proteins.
2. Exactly the same DNA sequences and proteins.
3. Some similar DNA sequences and proteins.
4. Completely different DNA sequences and proteins.

Back

Highly similar DNA sequences and proteins.

Answer explanation

Two closely related species share a significant amount of genetic material, resulting in highly similar DNA sequences and proteins. However, they are not identical, which rules out the option of having exactly the same sequences.

Front

The study of the early stages of development in an organism, which is one type of evidence of evolution is:

Back

Embryology

Answer explanation

Embryology studies the early stages of development in organisms, providing evidence of evolutionary relationships. Similar embryonic structures across different species suggest common ancestry, making it a key aspect of evolutionary biology.

Front

The similarities of the bones in the diagram provide evidence that:

• The organisms live in the same type of environment
• The organisms may have developed from a common ancestor
• The organisms do not have a common ancestor
• All vertebrate species have identical forelimbs

Back

The organisms may have developed from a common ancestor

Answer explanation

The similarities in bone structure suggest that the organisms may have developed from a common ancestor, indicating evolutionary relationships rather than environmental similarities or identical forelimbs.

Front

According to the data in the image, the unknown bacterial species is most closely related to: Species I, Species II, Species III, Species IV, None of these

Back

Species IV

Answer explanation

The data indicates that the unknown bacterial species shares the highest similarity with Species IV, making it the closest related species among the options provided.

Front

The field of Paleontology and the fossil record provide evidence that helps scientists:

Back

All of the above

Answer explanation

The field of Paleontology provides comprehensive insights into past organisms, environmental changes, evolutionary processes, and relationships between extinct and living species, making 'All of the above' the correct choice.

Front

Humans, cats, whales, and bats are all mammals with forelimbs that have similar structures, but different functions. What type of structures are these?

Back

Homologous

Answer explanation

The forelimbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats are homologous structures. They share a common evolutionary origin but have evolved different functions, demonstrating how similar anatomical features can adapt to various environments.

Front

The cave fish and minnow are related species, but the cave fish is blind and has only the remnants of an eye. What type of structure is the cave fish eye?

Back

Vestigial

Answer explanation

The cave fish's eye is considered vestigial because it has lost its function over time, reflecting its evolutionary adaptation to a dark environment. Unlike analogous or homologous structures, vestigial structures are remnants of organs that are no longer useful.

Front

The fossil of an extinct dinosaur shows anatomical similarities to the structure of a modern bird. What could scientists infer from this observation?

Back

The extinct dinosaur and the modern bird share a common ancestor.

Answer explanation

The anatomical similarities suggest that the extinct dinosaur and the modern bird share a common ancestor, indicating an evolutionary link rather than chance or independent development of traits.

Front

Examine the Mitochondrial DNA sequences in the table. What conclusions could be made based on the data? Options: The American black bear and the giant panda are most closely related, The giant panda and the red panda are most closely related., The red panda and the racoon are the most closely related, The giant panda and the racoon are most closely related, None of these

Back

The red panda and the racoon are the most closely related

Answer explanation

Mitochondrial DNA analysis shows that the red panda and raccoon share more genetic similarities, indicating a closer evolutionary relationship compared to the other pairs listed.

Front

The image shows the members of the Camelidae family. The physical features and the geographical origin of these individuals provide evidence that:

• They live in the same type of environment.
• They have the same DNA and protein sequences.
• They have a common ancestor.
• They have no evolutionary relationship.

Back

They have a common ancestor.

Answer explanation

The members of the Camelidae family share physical features and geographical origins, indicating they evolved from a common ancestor. This suggests a shared evolutionary history rather than a lack of relationship.