Fossil Record- Energized for STEM Academy, Inc

Two scientists studied patterns of evolution in the fossil record. Many species they analyzed showed periods of slow changes interrupted by a period of rapid change.

This pattern of periods of slow change interrupted by periods of rapid change with few, if any transitional fossils, best describes the theory of __________.

• punctuated equilibrium

• natural selection

• genetic drift

• gene flow

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

After examining the fossil record, scientists have determined that scorpions today are much smaller than their extinct ancestors. For example, Jaekelopterus rhenaniae, a giant scorpion species lived 225 million to 460 million years ago, was 2.5 meters long.

Which of the following conclusions is supported by this information?

• Scorpions have changed as a result of natural selection.

• Scorpions living today have increased their numbers since they first appeared.

• Scorpions in the fossils record are smaller than their descendants are.

• Scorpions do not appear in their original state in the fossil record.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Identify the type of mutation illustrated.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

The duck-billed platypus is a special type of mammal called monotreme. Monotremes lay eggs to reproduce. Bottlenose dolphins are also mammals, but they give birth to live young.

The fact that both of these organisms nurse their young with mammary glands provides evidence that they ____________.

• descended from a common ancestor.

• have similar diet.

• have similar bone structures.

• originated at about the same time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Molecular homologies are a type of evidence used to infer how closely related two species are. The table below shows data on the differences in the DNA base sequences of the same gene in pairs of species of primates.

Based on the data, which non-human primates are the LEAST relative of humans?

Select TWO answers.

• Monkey

• Gibbon

• Chimpanzee

• Orangutan

• Lemur

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

Several processes play roles in the evolution of populations and species. Which of these processes is necessary for the evolutionary change called adaptation to occur?

• Competition

• Genetic Drift

• Overproduction

• Natural Selection

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What kind of evolution do the Galapagos finches follow when they evolve from one common ancestor to several species that are very different?

The graph shows the number of taxa of reptiles whose fossilized tracks have been found.

Which statement is BEST supported by these data?

• A great extinction occurred during the Jurassic Period.

• Competition for food and shelter among reptile species was very low during the Triassic Period.

• Environmental conditions for speciation were most favorable for reptiles during the Permian Period.

• Reptiles adapted to a terrestrial environment during the Cretaceous Period.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

When the structure of a species in the fossil record doesn't change over a long period of time is known as _______.

The diagram shows on the evolution of horses.

The data in the diagram is evidence that ________________.

• horses slowly developed over time.

• a new species of horse suddenly appeared.

• horses have similar stages of rapid embryological development.

• horses have a common ancestry with other hooved animals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1