Evolution Test Review

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Structures in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry, such as the bones in a human arm and a bat wing.

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A body part that has lost its original function through evolution, like the pelvis bone in whales.

Front

What evidence supports the idea that dolphins and whales evolved from a common ancestor?

Back

They have similar anatomies, indicating a shared evolutionary history.

Front

What is the significance of a common ancestor in evolution?

Back

It suggests that different species have diverged from a shared lineage, leading to their current forms.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Structures that serve similar functions in different species but do not share a common ancestry, like the wings of a butterfly and a bat.

Front

What does it mean if two species have similar anatomies?

Back

It may indicate that they share a common ancestor and have evolved from it.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures share a common ancestry, while analogous structures do not, despite having similar functions.

Front

What can fossils tell us about evolution?

Back

Fossils can provide evidence of common ancestry and evolutionary changes over time.

Front

Why are vestigial structures important in studying evolution?

Back

They provide clues about the evolutionary history of a species and how it has adapted over time.

Front

What is the role of natural selection in evolution?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.