Evidence for Evolution Review

The diagram below shows a proposed theory of the origin of eukaryotic cells, called endosymbiosis. Which of the following explains why cells that contained mitochondria-like organelles had an evolutionary advantage?

• A. They were able to photosynthesize

• B. They had more DNA

• C. They were able to make more use of available energy

• D. They were immune to bacterial invasion.

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Scientists are studying the evolutionary history of a group of plants in the United States, and they developed an evolutionary tree, as shown below. Which statement can be inferred from the evolutionary tree?

• A. Species 1 is most closely related to Species 8.

• B. Species 2 is most closely related to Species 3.

• C. Species 3 is most closely related to Species 7.

• D. Species 5 is most closely related to Species 6.

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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?

• A. It provides information about the organisms' habitats.

• B. It shows possible common ancestry between organisms.

• C. It provides information to determine the organisms' ages.

• D. It shows possible chromosomal similarities between organisms.

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The diagram illustrates an embryonic stage of two organisms. Which of the following can be determined by observing the embryos shown in the diagram?

• A. The organisms share a common ancestry.

• B. The organisms belong to the same genus.

• C. The organisms are native to the same geographic areas.

• D. The organisms will grow into anatomically similar adults.

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The image below illustrates an embryonic stage of four organisms. Which statement best describes why embryology is useful to taxonomists?

• Embryos are usually well preserved as fossils

• Embryos undergo a series of metamorphic changes

• An embryo develops through a series of cell divisions

• Comparing the development of embryos reveals evolutionary relationships

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The bones in the limbs of the animals shown below show a strong resemblance but are used for different purposes. Which of the following terms best describes the type of evidence this provides for the Theory of Evolution?

• analogous structures; they show evidence of a common ancestor

• homologous structures; they show evidence of a common ancestor

• vestigial structure; they show an adaptation which improves survival

• embryological structure; they show an adaptation which improves survival

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According to fossil records, the horses that lived 50 million years ago were much smaller, weaker and slower than modern horses. Which process is most likely responsible for the changes that have led to the increased size, strength, and speed in horses?

• A. commensalism

• B. inbreeding

• C. migration

• D. evolution by natural selection

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Scientists are studying the evolutionary history of a group of plants in the United States, and they developed an evolutionary tree, as shown below. What information about the organisms best helps the scientists to determine the evolutionary relationships among them?

• A. DNA sequences

• B. Anatomical features

• C. Habitat types

• D. Reproductive Strategies

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Which of the following correctly describes the general trend in hominid evolution?

• thickening of the skull, protruding teeth, organized hunting

• large canine teeth, small skulls, diet of coarse plant material

• larger body size, broad forehead, smaller brains

• bipedalism, increase in brain capacity, use of tools

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How is scientific theory of evolution supported by the comparison of the skulls and skeletons of modern humans and extinct hominids?

• Similarity in skull shapes, hands, and hips between extinct hominids and humans supports a common ancestry.

• By making the hip, spine, and skull comparisons, the age of the different hominid specimens can be determined.

• Comparison of skull and skeleton provides evidence that humans and different hominid species interacted.

• Skull and skeleton comparisons can explain why hominids were inferior and became extinct while humans evolved.

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