Module 3

Which adaptation enables organisms to be hidden or disguised in their surroundings, possibly providing an advantage?

• mimicry

• camouflage

• body coverings

• evolution

Who founded the theory of evolution that involves natural selection?

• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

• Ernst Haeckel

• Charles Darwin

• Aristotle

According to Darwin, evolution occurs

• quickly.

• because of natural selection.

• regularly at every 5,000 years.

• when the organism desires change.

Fish, frogs, birds, and monkeys all have an embryonic stage in which structures called pharyngeal slits appear on the sides of the throat. In fish, these slits develop into gills, but in frogs, birds, and monkeys, these slits develop into other structures. Based on this information, which is the best conclusion about the evolutionary histories of fish, frogs, birds, and monkeys?

• The animals evolved from a common ancestor.

• The animals did not develop lungs for breathing.

• The animals are not adapted to eat the same kinds of food.

• The animals have evolved similar developmental rates from fertilization to birth.

Sperm whales have vestigial hip bones, and a small percentage of sperm whales also have vestigial hind limbs. Which statement best explains the presence of these vestigial structures?

• Sperm whales evolved from ancestors that walked on land.

• Sperm whales are in the process of evolving into land mammals.

• These structures are acquired by each individual sperm whale during its lifetime.

• These structures resulted from sperm whales having a long period of embryonic development.

Darwin stated that only those organisms most fit for their environment would survive and breed.

• True

• False

Darwin’s theory of evolution suggests that

• species change over time.

• different species can interbreed.

• extinct species are not related to living species.

• animals that look alike are the most closely related.

When an organism dies, is buried, and decays leaving behind a cavity in the shape of the organism is considered which type of fossil?

• Cast

• Trace

• Mold

• Petrified

When farmers breed the largest hogs, the fastest horses, or the cows that produce the most milk, this practice is called

• homologous variation.

• survival of the fittest.

• artificial selection.

• natural selection.

Which scenario is an example of natural selection?

• a black labrador used for hunting

• a siamese cat with unusual coloring

• a horse bred for racing

• bacteria resistant to antibiotics