RC3: Biological Evolution (Evidence and Mechanisms)

Homologous structures are defined as anatomical structures originating from the same structure in ancestral form. For instance, a bird's wing and the front flippers of a seal are examples of homologous structures. Which of the following does the presence of homologous structures in vertebrates suggest?

• All vertebrates developed at the same rate.

• All vertebrates developed internally.

• All vertebrates evolved from different animals.

• All vertebrates have a common ancestor.

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The position and shape of the bones in the forelimbs of four present-day vertebrates were studied. Two of the organisms seemed to be more closely related to each other than to the other vertebrates. This relationship was most likely based on evidence using the field of — (a)  

• comparative anatomy
• DNA sequences
• biochemistry
• fossil record

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According to Darwin's theory on natural selection, the traits that survive and continue in future generations are – (a)  

• caused by response to stress
• made by environmental change
• already present in the population
• introduced by imm

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Survival of the fittest can best be described as –

• the process by which only the strongest of a species will be able to survive and reproduce

• the process in which organisms that are better adapted to their environment will have a better chance of surviving and reproducing

• the reason the strongest of the species will not be able to reproduce as often as others

• the reason weaker organisms in a species will always be killed by predators

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Scientists compared the fossil remains of a species that lived 5,000 years ago to members of the same species living today. Scientists concluded that the species changed very little over this period of time. Which statement best accounts for this lack of change?

• The environment did not change significantly, and those offspring expressing new characteristics survived their natural enemies.

• The environment changed significantly, but the species had no natural enemies for a long period of time.

• The environment did not change significantly, and those offspring expressing new characteristics did not survive.

• The environment changed significantly, and those offspring without favorable characteristics did not survive.

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Which process results in greater genetic diversity in offspring?

• genetic linkage

• recombination of DNA during meiosis

• crossing-over during mitosis

• rearrangement of chromosomes in germ cells

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Scientists can determine relatedness among organisms by comparing partial amino acid sequences. The table shows four partial amino acid sequences from four organisms. Which organism is the LEAST related to the other three organisms? (a)  

• Organism 1
• Organism 2
• Organism 3
• Organism 4

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The white cattail is a hybrid species of plant that is a result of the cross between the broad-leaved cattail and the narrow-leaved cattail. Over time, the white cattail has established itself in the wetlands of Midwestern states. Which of these explains the success of the white cattail?

• Favorable genes from parental generations provide advantageous characteristics to the hybrid species.

• Hybridization produces offspring traits that allow different species to survive in extreme environments.

• Inherited traits passed on from parental generations make hybrid species more susceptible to disease.

• Hybrid species display more adaptations due to their reduced genetic diversity.

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The diagram shows light- and dark-colored beetles that live on a tree. Which result is most likely to occur to the beetle population due to predation over time?

• The number of light-colored beetles in the population will increase.

• There will be more dark-colored beetles than light-colored beetles.

• The number of light-colored beetles will decrease.

• The dark-colored beetles will move to a different type of tree.

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Adaptations that result from natural selection are expected to increase the fitness of an organism. In terms of natural selection, which of the following best describes fitness?

• Being able to escape from predators

• Being among the strongest organisms in a population

• Being able to survive, find a mate, and produce offspring

• Being able to survive long enough to reach the adult

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