Comparing Anatomical Patterns in Organisms

8.L.4.1 & 8.L.4.2 Review

Multiple Choice

The diagram below represents possible genetic relationships between groups of organisms.

Which statement is a valid conclusion that can be drawn from the diagram?

• Insects are more complex than mammals.

• Earthworms and sea stars have a common ancestor.

• Snails appeared on Earth before corals.

• Sponges were the last new species to appear on Earth.

8.L.4.1

Summarize the use of evidence drawn from geology, fossils, and comparative anatomy to form the basis for biological classifications systems and the theory of evolution

8.L.4.2

Explain the relationship between genetic variation and an organism's ability to adapt to its environment

Multiple Choice

The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

• species

• Darwin

• evolution

• taxonomy

Multiple Choice

Which fact provides the best evidence for the biological theory of evolution?

• Most fossils are found in sedimentary rock.

• Most species of life on Earth have become extinct.

• Characteristics of simpler life forms can be found in more complex life forms.

• Only a small percentage of living things have been preserved in fossils.

Multiple Choice

Structures derived from a common ancestor or same evolutionary or developmental origin

• homologous structures

• homosapien

• analogous structures

• atoms

Multiple Choice

A vestigial organ is present in modern-day species, but its utility is lost. The presence of hip bones in modern whales is an example of a vestigial organ. Which statement can be concluded about the ancestors of whales?

• Ancestors of whales lived on land.

• Ancestors of whales lived in deep oceans.

• Ancestors of whales were fish-like organisms.

• Ancestors of whales were dependent on the sea for food.

Multiple Choice

Body parts that function like each other, but are different in structure.

• embryos

• homologous structures

• analogous structures

• vestigial structures

Multiple Choice

The embryos of two different organisms are observed to have similar features. What is the most reasonable conclusion that can be drawn from this observation?

• The organisms will share these same features as adults.

• These organisms will have the same role in the same habitat.

• These organisms will take the same amount of time to develop.

• These organisms are related by a shared common ancestor.

Multiple Choice

Comparing the embryos of different animals can show relationships that can’t be seen when comparing the fully formed animals. Why is this the case?

• Each embryo is unique; even embryos of animals of the same species can be different.

• When observing embryos, microscopes can be used to reveal more detail.

• Embryos can have parts that are not present in the fully formed animals.

• Fully formed animals are sometimes missing limbs or other body parts.

Multiple Choice

Who is the closest relative to the brown bear?

• Giant panda

• Dog

• Lesser panda

• Sun bear

Multiple Choice

According to this cladogram, sharks are MOST closely related to which organism?

• Amphibians

• Ray finned fish

• Crocodiles

• Birds

Multiple Choice

The branch of science concerned with classification, especially of organisms

• taxonomy

• law of conservation of mass

• evolution

• genetics

Multiple Choice

Erosion to mountaintops is an evidence of __________________. Erosion is caused by gradual changes to Earth's surface due to wind, water, and ice.

• Catastrophism

• Uniformity

Multiple Choice

The meteor that caused dinosaurs to go extinct is an example of ___________________. Meteors are examples of one-time events that cause change to Earth's surface.

• Catastrophism

• Uniformity

Multiple Choice

What evidence supports the theory that continents were once a large landmass?

• The continents share a similar climate.

• Similar fossils have been found on different continents.

• Minerals like gold and copper are found worldwide.

• Coconut trees are found on coastlines.

Multiple Choice

Which statement supports the theory of natural selection

• All organisms produce more offspring than can survive.

• Organisms live in harmony with one another despite limited resources.

• Organisms with favorable traits are more likely to die.

• Over time advantageous traits will be found in more of the population.

Multiple Choice

What role does genetic variation play in the evolution of species?

• It reduces the chance that species will possess characteristics well-suited for a changing environment.

• It increases the chance that species will possess characteristics well-suited for a changing environment.

• It allows multicellular organisms to change their traits during their lifetimes.

• It allows unicellular organisms to change their DNA after they die.

Multiple Choice

Trilobite fossils from different time periods show small changes in appearance. What might account for the changes?

• catastrophic geologic events

• weathering and erosion

• increase in greenhouse gases

• response to environmental changes