Evolution and Law & Theory

 Which statement should Lily use to support her scientific explanation? 

• In my observation, I noticed that the bone was hollow. I remember learning in college that birds have hollow bones, and considering the age of the bone I believe that the fossil belong to a flying dinosaur.

• Based on my knowledge and experience at the Natural History museum and the age of this bone, I would argue that it belonged to a flying dinosaur. 

• After reviewing our results, comparing it to the research that has been conducted by other scientists, the evidence supports the possibility that the bone belonged to a flying dinosaur. 

• I have shared my thoughts with other scientists, and they seem to agree with my explanation. 

 Which of the following statements best explains why genetic variation is important to the survival of a population? 

• Genetic variation increases the likelihood of an allele being present that is best suited for the environment.  

• Genetic variation decrease the likelihood of genetic mutation. 

• Genetic variation increases the size of animals so that more offspring will be produced. 

• Genetic variation decreases gene flow in the population. 

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 Below is a list of evidences scientists have gathered on the theory of plate tectonics over time. Continental boundaries showed evidence that they fit together and once formed a single landmass that separated and drifted apart 

Rocks of different ages show changes in magnetic field direction 

Oceanic crust disappears into the mantle (sea floor spreading) 

Why is the collection of evidence necessary for plate tectonic theory? 

• A theory must be supported with evidence from each scientist studying the natural event. 

• Scientists do not understand the theory of plate tectonics so it needs to be modified. 

• A theory needs a large body of evidence to support our understanding of natural events. 

• Scientists should always add more evidence to existing theories, so they cannot be disproved. 

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Paleontologists found a fossil with feathers, now known as, Archaeopteryx, which lived approximately 150 million years ago. When comparing Archaeopteryx to other small dinosaurs and modern-day birds, the paleontologists learned that Archaeopteryx had more in common with dinosaurs. The Archaeopteryx were small and had broad wings which likely gave them the ability to fly or glide. How can the Archaeopteryx fossils be used to support the theory of evolution? 

• They give evidence to support the idea that organisms inherit the best traits from their parents. 

• They show how organisms today share characteristics with fossilized species. 

• They can demonstrate that animals from long ago are still alive today. 

• They indicate that evolution is a theory because scientists do not completely understand the fossil record. 

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Scientists create both scientific theories and scientific laws as they make observations and conduct experiments about the natural world. Which of the following statements most accurately compares the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws

• science laws are based on evidence while science theories are not

• science theories involve only biology, while laws involve all types of science

• science theories involve mathematical equations, while science laws are based on observations

• science theories are ideas that explain natural events, while science laws predict what will happen in a natural event.

What is a theory?

• Describes what happens
• Explains why or how about a process

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What is a law?

• Describes what happens
• Explains a process

Define genetic diversity

• variation of genes within a species or population in a given area

• variety of ecosystems in a given area

• system made up of all the living and nonliving things in a given area

• disturbance in the environment conditions that cause genetic changes to occur in organisms

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The more genetic diversity in a population of the same species, the more likely that species is capable of adapting and surviving.

• true

• false

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Scientists want to know the evolutionary relationship between different organisms or species. For example, whales, which live in the water, have hips. These structures are important for carrying the weight of animals that walk on land. Finding this body part in animals that don’t walk on land is best explained how?

• Whales have evolved this structure because it might be useful in the future.

• Whales are able to interbreed with other animals that have hips.

• Whales have a diet that includes other animals that have this structure.

• Whales share a common ancestor with animals that walk on land.

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