Evolution Review 2

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.

Similar patterns of embryological development in different but related organisms are responsible for the formation of

• homologous structures.
• analogous structures.
• Hox genes.
• intermediate fossil forms.

Molecular evidence in support of natural selection includes

• the nearly universal genetic code.
• the presence of vestigial structures.
• a tendency toward perfect, unchanging DNA in various species.
• the transmission of acquired characteristics by DNA.

Modern sea star larvae resemble some primitive vertebrate larvae. This similarity may suggest that primitive vertebrates

• share a common ancestor with sea stars.
• evolved from sea stars.
• belong to the same species as sea stars.
• none of these

Biogeography is the study of

• where species and their ancestors live.
• how extinct species can be related to living species.
• how different species can interbreed.
• how animals that live in the same area are closely related.

The principle of common descent helps explain why

• well-adapted species have many offspring.
• conditions in an organism’s environment ensures the organism’s survival.
• birds and reptiles share a number of inherited characteristics.
• tigers are so different from cheetahs.

Charles Darwin called the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its specific environment

• diversity
• fitness
• adaptation
• evolution

Which of these would have the least effect on natural selection in a subspecies of giraffes that is geographically isolated from other subspecies of giraffes?

• available niches
• existing predators
• chromosome number
• available food resources

Over time, the climate of an island became drier, which resulted in changes to the populations of various island finch species. Finch populations with a certain beak shape thrived, while those not having that beak shape decreased. Which of the following describes a necessary condition for these changes in the finch populations to occur?

• fewer mutations
• limited food resources
• limited beak variations
• overproduction of offspring

Form a Hypothesis Considering the body structure of the tortoises shown in Figure 16–2, which tortoises—a population from Pinta Island or a population from Isabela Island—might survive more successfully on Hood Island? Why?

• The Pinta Island tortoises would be likely to survive more successfully because they appear to be more similar to the Hood Island tortoises.
• The Isabela island tortoises because their head and neck are more protected.
• both of these are correct
• neither one of these are correct