CSA 8.LS4.2 ESSENTIAL STANDARD

The bones in the front limbs of many mammals are similar in their structure and arrangement. What term is used to describe physical similarities between related species that indicates a common ancestry?

• homologous structures

• embryonic parallels

• convergent anatomy

• vestigial organs

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DOK1

The bone structure of the baleen whale and the hummingbird pictured above suggests that they share

• the same diet

• a common ancestor

• a similar environment

• similar mating rituals

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DOK1

Scientists observe anatomical features that have similar structures but serve different functions in different organisms, such as the forearms of the organisms in the diagram.

What does the similarity in forearm structure of these four organisms suggest?

• There is no evolutionary relationship between the four organisms. 

• Because the whale forearm is adapted to life under water, it does not share a common ancestor with the other three organisms. 

• The whale, human and dog have common ancestor, but they do not share a common ancestor with the bird. 

• The four organisms have a common ancestor. 

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DOK2

Darren needs to show the ancestral relationship between two species. What picture would best be suited to show a common ancestry?

• 
• 
• 
• none of these

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DOK2

Scientists think that alligators and lizards may have evolved from a common ancestor. What evidence supports this hypothesis?

• They have similar anatomies

• They walk the same way

• They eat the same food

• They live in similar areas

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DOK2

Which organism, alive today, is most likely similar to the ancestor of these four classes of vertebrates?

• 
• 
• 
• 

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DOK2

What do amphibians, birds, prosimians and humans all have in common? Check all that apply.

• Eukaryotic

• Vertebrate

• Hair

• Endothermic

• Tetrapod

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DOK2

According to scientists, the organisms in the picture all evolved from a common ancestor. What evidence backs up this theory?

• These organisms are all of the same species.

• These organisms contain very similar bone anatomy.

• The appendages of these organisms share similar function.

• These organisms all lived in similar habitats and were therefore under similar environmental pressures.

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DOK2

Geologists discovered fossil evidence of mesohippus, an ancestor of the modern horse. Mesohippus lived in North America about 40 million years ago. Mesohippus was about two feet tall, ran on hooves with three toes, and had large, grinding teeth.

What statement is BEST supported by the fossil evidence?

• Ancient horses were once carnivores.

• Horses have evolved over the last 40 million years.

• Horses migrated from South America into North America.

• Modern-day horses share a common ancestor with all mammals.

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DOK3

If an orangutan, a human, and a whale evolved from a common ancestor, what most likely can be concluded?

• They will live in similar areas

• They will be in the same biological classification

• They will share similar anatomical structures

• They will have a similar diet

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DOK3