Evolutionary Relationships

What is a phylogenetic tree?

• A phylogenetic tree is a mathematical equation used to predict future evolutionary changes.

• A phylogenetic tree is a tool used for measuring the age of fossils.

• A phylogenetic tree is a type of plant found in tropical rainforests.

• A phylogenetic tree is a diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species or other entities based on similarities and differences in their genetic material.

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Explain the concept of homologous structures in evolutionary relationships.

• Homologous structures are structures that are identical in every species.

• Homologous structures are similar structures found in different species that share a common ancestor.

• Homologous structures are structures that evolved independently in different species.

• Homologous structures are structures that are only found in mammals.

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Provide an example of homologous structures in different species.

• Wings of birds

• Forelimbs of vertebrates

• Flippers of whales

• Roots of plants

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Differentiate between homologous and analogous structures.

• Homologous structures have different functions but similar structures.

• Homologous structures are similar in structure and origin, indicating common ancestry. Analogous structures have similar functions but different structures and origins, indicating convergent evolution.

• Homologous structures have different origins but similar functions.

• Analogous structures indicate common ancestry.

How are cladistics used to determine evolutionary relationships?

• By observing the color of organisms

• By analyzing shared derived characteristics among organisms.

• By analyzing the size of organisms

• By counting the number of legs in organisms

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What is convergent evolution?

• Convergent evolution is the process by which different species evolve similar traits or characteristics independently in response to similar environmental challenges.

• Convergent evolution is the process by which species evolve divergent traits in response to similar environmental challenges.

• Convergent evolution is the process by which species evolve traits that are completely unrelated to each other.

• Convergent evolution is the process by which species evolve traits only through genetic drift.

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Give an example of convergent evolution.

• Development of gills in fish and amphibians

• Evolution of fur in mammals and reptiles

• Development of wings in birds and bats

• Formation of exoskeletons in insects and crustaceans

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Why is convergent evolution considered a challenge in determining evolutionary relationships?

• Convergent evolution simplifies the process of determining evolutionary relationships

• Convergent evolution always results in identical traits in species

• Convergent evolution only occurs between closely related species

• Convergent evolution can create the appearance of close relationships between species that are actually distantly related.

How do scientists use molecular data in constructing phylogenetic trees?

• By observing the behavior of animals in the wild

• By counting the number of cells in each organism

• By comparing DNA sequences and identifying similarities and differences among organisms.

• By measuring the temperature of the environment

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Explain the concept of a common ancestor in evolutionary relationships.

• A common ancestor is a mythical creature that connects all species

• A common ancestor is a recent discovery in evolutionary science

• A common ancestor is a term used only in religious contexts

• A common ancestor is a shared ancestor that two or more species have in their evolutionary history.

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