Evolution Benchmark Review

Front

What is the relationship between closely related organisms in terms of DNA?

Back

Closely related organisms would have very similar DNA sequences.

Front

What does the presence of a pouch in both opossums and kangaroos suggest?

Back

It suggests that they are descended from a common ancestor.

Front

What is the process called by which individuals better suited to their environment survive and reproduce?

Back

Natural Selection.

Front

What are structures with the same parts but different functions that suggest a common ancestry?

Back

Homologous structures.

Front

What conclusion can be drawn if grey prey had a high fitness in a mountain rock environment?

Back

It indicates that grey prey were better adapted to that environment.

Front

What is the definition of evolution?

Back

Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

Speciation is the process by which new and distinct species evolve from existing species.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Vestigial structures are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

Front

What is adaptive radiation?

Back

Adaptive radiation is the process in which organisms diversify rapidly into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments.

Front

What is the significance of fossil evidence in evolution?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and show how species have changed over time.