Evidence of Common Ancestry

A structure that seems to serve no purpose in an organism is called:

• dichotomous
• vestigal
• homologous
• fossilized

Two organisms that are closely related would have:

• completely different DNA sequences
• exactly the same DNA sequence
• no proteins in common
• very similar DNA sequences

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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

• They swim the same way.
• They live in the same area of the ocean.
• They have similar anatomies.
• They eat the same food.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?

• The fins of a shark.
• The tailbone of a human.
• The hind limbs of a house cat.
• The wings of a red-tailed hawk.

What process is most responsible for the extinction of most species of plants and animals that have lived on Earth?

• Environmental changes.
• Interference by man.
• Decrease in reproduction.
• Gene mutations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A group of mice become separated by the formation of a river.  Over time, the northern mice became smaller and whiter, while the southern mice became larger and browner.  This is an example of:

• homology.
• gigantification.
• divergence.
• industrial melanism.

Any variation that can help an organism survive is called a or an:

• vestigial structure
• adaptation
• characteristic
• competition

The strongest evidence for change over a long period of time comes from:

• DNA.
• direct observation of living species.
• embryo studies.
• Fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The dog breeds we have today were developed through:

• acquired selection.
• natural selection.
• artificial selection (selective breeding).
• sexual selection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-5

The finches of the Galapagos Islands were similar in form except for variations of their beaks.  Darwin observed that these variations were useful for:

• gathering food.
• building nests.
• attracting a mate.
• defending territory.