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.

Definition: natural selection

• inherited characteristic that increases chances of survival
• organisms with traits well suited to their environment survive and reproduce at a greater rate
• a growing population causes a scarcity of resources
• differences in the DNA sequence

Definition: homologous structures

• remains of dead organisms
• related organisms have the same bone makeup
• in the early stages of development dogs, pigs, and humans resemble one another

The process of choosing parent organisms for desired characteristics is called

• natural selection

• Artificial selection

• random selection

• genetic manipulation

Some organisms that share a common ancestor have features that have different functions, but similar structures.  These are known as

• vestigial structures
• analogous structures
• homologous structures
• fossil structures

An anatomical feature that no longer seems to have a purpose in the current form of an organism

• Homologous structure

• Analogous structure

• Vestigial structure

• None of the above

What is an example of artificial selection?

• Letting dogs choose their own mate

• Letting plants pollinate on their own

• Crossing a labrador and a poodle to create a labradoodle

How do you "win" at natural selection?

• survive

• go extinct

• survive & reproduce

English natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection (1809-1882).

• Darwin
• Wallace
• Linnaeus
• Lamarck