WP467 Evolution and natural selection

The scientific theory of evolution is supported by different types of evidence. The diagrams below show the skeletons of two different animal species. How does comparing the skeletons of these animals provide support for the scientific theory of evolution?

• A. It provides information about the organisms' habitats.

• B. It shows possible common ancestry between organisms.

• C. It provides information to determine the organisms' ages.

• D. It shows possible chromosomal similarities between organisms.

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According to fossil records, the horses that lived 50 million years ago were much smaller, weaker and slower than modern horses. Which process is most likely responsible for the changes that have led to the increased size, strength, and speed in horses?

• A. commensalism

• B. inbreeding

• C. migration

• D. evolution by natural selection

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The diagram illustrates an embryonic stage of two organisms.

Which of the following can be determined by observing the embryos shown in the diagram?

• A. The organisms share a common ancestry.

• B. The organisms belong to the same genus.

• C. The organisms are native to the same geographic areas.

• D. The organisms will grow into anatomically similar adults.

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Scientists have found evidence that about 2.4 million years ago a gene regulating jaw muscles mutated and may have led to the more graceful human jaw we see today. The diagram below shows the skulls of 3 hominid species.

Which statement below most closely explains the link between jaw size and hominid evolution?

• A. The jaws of hominids evolved to be smaller and less protruding over time.

• B. The jaws of hominids evolved to be larger and more protruding over time.

• C. There appears to be no change in the jaws of hominids over time.

• D. The jaws of hominids changed over time due to a change in brain size.

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Scientists are studying the evolutionary history of a group of plants in the United States, and they developed an evolutionary tree, as shown below.

Which statement can be inferred from the evolutionary tree?

• A. Species 1 is most closely related to Species 8.

• B. Species 2 is most closely related to Species 3.

• C. Species 3 is most closely related to Species 7.

• D. Species 5 is most closely related to Species 6.

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Scientists are studying the evolutionary history of a group of plants in the United States, and they developed an evolutionary tree, as shown below.

What information about the organisms best helps the scientists to determine the evolutionary relationships among them?

• A. DNA sequences

• B. Anatomical features

• C. Habitat types

• D. Reproductive Strategies

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Due to human encroachment, the range of the Florida panther has been reduced to a very small area in South Florida. What could be a potential long-term effect of this isolation on the conditions required for natural selection?

• A. It would reduce the panthers' capacity for inherited variation and would leave them vulnerable to disease and genetic abnormalities

• B. It would boost the panthers’ population by limiting their reproductive territory and would eventually decrease the populations of their prey animals

• C. It would increase the panthers’ ability to hunt successfully and would eventually lead to an increase in their numbers

• D. It would limit the panthers’ variety of food sources and they would all eventually become extinct due to starvation

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In his book On the Origin of the Species, Charles Darwin described how species change over time. Which of the following is NOT part of his observations that describes the mechanisms of natural selection?

• A. Organisms produce more offspring than can survive.

• B. Disease and natural disaster will limit population growth.

• C. Species today descended with modifications from ancestral species.

• D. Organisms with advantages will survive and reproduce

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Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between natural selection and evolution?

• A. Natural selection results from evolution.

• B. Natural selection includes evolution as a part of it.

• C. Natural selection is one mechanism of evolution.

• D. Natural selection and evolution are the same thing.

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How is the scientific theory of evolution supported by the comparison of the skulls and skeletons of modern humans and extinct hominids?

• A. By making the hip, spine, and skull comparisons, the age of different hominid specimens can be determined.

• B. Comparison of skull and skeletons provides evidence that humans and different hominid species interacted.

• C. Similarity in skull shapes, hands, and hips between extinct hominids and humans supports a common ancestry.

• D. Skull and skeleton comparisons can explain why hominids were inferior and became extinct while humans evolved.

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