Genetics and Evolution STAAR Review

Front

Animals in which of the following locations will most likely have originated from a common ancestor?

• Two species that are separated by a mountain range
• Two species that are separated by a large body of water
• Two species in different continents
• Two species living in the same area

Back

Two species living in the same area

Front

What is evidence that two species might have a common ancestor?

Back

Many of their genes are the same

Front

Whale fins and bat wings are anatomically similar. What does this suggest about the animals?

Back

Whales and bats have a common ancestry

Front

A scientist wants to determine if two species of mammals are related. Which of the following is the best evidence in determining if the species had a common ancestor?

Back

Both species have very similar DNA sequences

Front

Which of the following is the best example of natural selection?
- The lifespan of a chimpanzee is extended to 60 years in captivity
- The population size of giraffes changes over time as a result of immigration
- A population of bunnies select for brown fur when winter is approaching
- Ants develop poisonous chemicals in response to high predation

Back

Ants develop poisonous chemicals in response to high predation

Front

The different species of the Hawaiian honeycreepers shown all descended from a single species of North American bird. They now have different beaks, eat different food, sing different songs, and live in different environments on the islands. Which factor probably contributed MOST to the development of these different species?

Back

Geographical isolation

Front

Which of the following is the best evidence that mammals evolved from reptiles?

Back

Fossils of ancient reptiles and mammals that appear together in the same layers of rock

Front

Which of the following statements best explains why many different finch species originated from the single ancestral species?

Back

Populations adapted to environmental pressures

Front

The picture shows the members of the Camelidae family. The physical features and the geographical origin of these animals provide evidence that -

Back

have a common ancestor.

Front

The Galapagos Islands, a small group of islands off the coast of Ecuador, is home to reptiles such as the giant tortoise and the iguana. The eastern islands are much older than the islands to the west. Which statement about the origin of these reptiles is best supported by this information?

Back

The common ancestors of the reptiles probably came from Ecuador.