LS.8.3.1: Biological/Geological Evolution

The bones in the forelimbs of three mammals are shown. For these mammals, the number, position, and shape of the bones are most likely indicates that they may have

• developed in a common environment

• developed from the same earlier species

• identical genetic makeup

• identical methods of obtaining food

Answer explanation

The similarities in the number, position, and shape of the bones suggest that these mammals share a common ancestor, indicating they developed from the same earlier species.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Imprints of the shells of ocean clams are often found in the rocks of the Appalachian Mountains.  What do these imprint fossils most likely indicate? 

• the mountains were once under the ocean

• the mountains once had a more rainy climate

• mountain river clams evolved from ocean clams

• ocean clams evolved from mountain river clams

Answer explanation

The presence of ocean clam imprints in the Appalachian Mountains indicates that these mountains were once submerged under the ocean, as clams are marine organisms that thrive in oceanic environments.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A paleontologist found a fossil of an organism that looks like modern day ferns.  Which would most likely assist the paleontologist in proving that the two organisms are related?

• mapping the location of where the fossil grew against where modern day ferns grow

• recording how the tectonic plates have moved since the fossil was created

• analyzing the composition of the rock in which the fossil was discovered

• comparing the structures of the fossil to that of modern day ferns

Answer explanation

Comparing the structures of the fossil to modern day ferns allows the paleontologist to identify similarities and differences, providing direct evidence of evolutionary relationships between the two organisms.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What would indicate that a series of fossils represent the evolution of a horse?

• All of the fossils were found in the same layers of rocks as horse fossils

• All of the fossils are completely identical to horse bones

• All of the fossils show similar structures to that of the modern horse

• All of the fossils were located inhe same place on Earth as horses

Answer explanation

Fossils showing similar structures to modern horses indicate evolutionary relationships, as they suggest a gradual change over time. Identical bones or mere location do not provide evidence of evolution.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists thank that dolphins and whales may have evolved from a common ancestor.  What evidence supports this hypothesis?

• They swim the same way

• They eat the same food

• They live in the same area of the ocean

• They have similar anatomies

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'They have similar anatomies' because anatomical similarities, such as bone structure and organ arrangement, provide strong evidence for a common evolutionary ancestor between dolphins and whales.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A certain species of dinosaur fossils are found only in layer Z. What can be inferred about the species based on the fossils found only in layer Z?

• the dinosaur species moved to a different area of the planet

• the dinosaur species evolved into a new species in a few generations

• the dinosaur species left behind remains that were broken down quickly

• the dinosaur species went extinct due to some change in its environment

Answer explanation

The presence of dinosaur fossils only in layer Z suggests that the species did not survive beyond that layer, likely due to environmental changes leading to extinction, rather than migration or rapid evolution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of the following is a primary method used to date fossils?

• Radiocarbon dating

• Thermoluminescence

• Stratigraphy

• Dendrochronology

Answer explanation

Radiocarbon dating is a primary method for dating fossils, particularly those up to about 50,000 years old, by measuring the decay of carbon-14. Other methods like thermoluminescence and dendrochronology are used for different materials.

What is the main purpose of using comparative anatomy in evolutionary biology?

• To identify the age of fossils

• To compare the DNA sequences of different species

• To find similarities and differences in the anatomy of different organisms

• To study the behavior of living organisms

Answer explanation

The main purpose of using comparative anatomy in evolutionary biology is to find similarities and differences in the anatomy of different organisms, which helps in understanding evolutionary relationships.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Explain how homologous structures provide evidence for common ancestry.

• They show how different species have evolved independently.

• They indicate that different species have similar functions.

• They demonstrate that different species have similar structures due to shared ancestry.

• They prove that all species have identical genetic material.

Answer explanation

Homologous structures, such as similar bone patterns in different species, indicate that these species share a common ancestor. This similarity in structure, despite differing functions, supports the idea of evolution from a shared lineage.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is a limitation of the fossil record?

• It provides a complete history of all life forms.

• It only includes organisms with hard parts like bones and shells.

• It can be used to determine the exact age of Earth.

• It shows the behavior of ancient organisms.

Answer explanation

The fossil record is limited because it primarily includes organisms with hard parts like bones and shells, leaving out many soft-bodied organisms that did not fossilize, thus providing an incomplete picture of past life.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1