Evolution

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.

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.

 The diagram represents the relationship between beak structure and food in several species of finches found on the Galapagos Islands. The different beak structures observed in the diagram are evidence of

•  different species of finches adapting to different environments over many generations
•  finches changing their beak characteristics so that they could feed efficiently
• finch species with different beak structures coming to the Galapagos Islands from the mainland
•  finches mating with birds of other species and acquiring some of their traits

Natural selection is best described as

• a change in an organism in response to a need of that organism
• a process of nearly constant improvement that leads to an organism that is nearly perfect
• differences in survival rates as a result of different inherited characteristics
• inheritance of characteristics acquired during the life of an organism

Cladograms are constructed by grouping organisms together based on their____________ characteristics.

• shared
• different
• similar
• opposite

According to this cladogram, sharks are MOST closely related to which organism? 

• Amphibians
• Ray finned fish
• Crocodiles
• Birds

Which two orgainsms have hair? 

• Sharks & Ray Finned Fish
• Primates & Rodents
• Birds & Crocodiles
• Rabbits & Birds

According to this cladogram, birds are LEAST related to: 

• Amphibians
• Sharks
• Ray Finned Fish
• Crocodiles

Which trait do only humans have, according to the cladogram?

• jaws
• mammary glands & hair
• terrestrial during all life stages
• bipedal & opposable thumbs

According to the cladogram, which organism is most distantly related to the human?

• crayfish
• grasshopper
• perch
• frog