SB6c - Evidence for Evolution

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What are homologous structures?

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Structures that share a common ancestry or are similar because they are modified versions of structures from a common ancestor, containing the same basic bone structure.

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What are vestigial structures?

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Structures with no function that are remnants of an organism’s evolutionary past.

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What does the presence of vestigial pelvic bones in baleen whales indicate?

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It provides evidence that whales descended from four-legged animals.

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Which animal shares the fewest amino acid differences with humans?

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Chimpanzees.

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What does embryonic development reveal about evolutionary history?

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The evolutionary history of organisms is seen in the way embryos develop.

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What is the significance of homologous structures in evolution?

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They provide evidence for common ancestry among different species.

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What is an example of a vestigial structure in humans?

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The appendix.

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How do scientists use comparative anatomy to study evolution?

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By comparing the structures of different organisms to identify similarities and differences that indicate evolutionary relationships.

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What is the role of DNA in providing evidence for evolution?

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DNA comparisons can show genetic similarities and differences that reflect evolutionary relationships.

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What is the concept of natural selection?

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The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.