Evolution by 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?

• It provides information about the organisms' habitats.

• It shows possible common ancestry between organisms.

• It provides information to determine the organisms' ages.

• It shows possible chromosomal similarities between organisms.

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?

• Commensalism

• Inbreeding

• Migration

• Evolution by Natural Selection

The diagram illustrates an embryonic stage of two organisms.

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

• The organisms share a common ancestry.

• The organisms belong to the same genus.

• The organisms are native to the same geographic areas.

• The organisms will grow into anatomically similar adults.

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

• Species 1 is most closely related to Species 8.

• Species 2 is most closely related to Species 3.

• Species 3 is most closely related to Species 7.

• Species 5 is most closely related to Species 6.

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NGSS.HS-LS4-1

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?

• DNA sequences

• Anatomical features

• Habitat Types

• Reproductive Strategies

The diagram below represents possible evolutionary pathways of certain organisms.

Which species is most closely related to species L?

• Species E

• Species F

• Species G

• Species I

One of the accepted scientific theories describing the origin of life on Earth is known as chemical evolution. According to this theory, which of the following events would need to occur first for life to evolve?

• Onset of photosynthesis

• Origin of genetic material

• Synthesis of organic molecules

• Fomration of the plasma membrane

Which types of organisms developed first due to the early environmental conditions on Earth?

• Prokaryotic and aerobic

• Prokaryotic and anaerobic

• Eukaryotic and aerobic

• Eukaryotic and anaerobic

The Miller-Urey experiment of 1953 was designed to test the hypothesis that lightning supplied the energy needed to turn atmospheric gases into organic molecules such as amino acids. Which of the following describes why the Miller-Urey theory is widely accepted today?

• Amino acids spontaneously form from molecules in the atmosphere today

• Organic molecules are present today in extremely high concentrations.

• The process of synthesizing organic molecules from a mixture of gases has been successfully modeled in the laboratory.

• No other alternative hypotheses have been introduced.