Evolution: evidence | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

The huge variety of living things in the world today is a result of ___ over time.

Answer explanation

Evolution over time has resulted in a diverse range of life on Earth.

Evolution is the process by which …

• environments change over time.

• living things change gradually over time.

• organisms change rapidly over a single generation.

Answer explanation

The process by which living things change gradually over time, to become more adapted to their surroundings, is called evolution.

How can we find out more about how living things have evolved over time?

• Carrying out research using secondary sources of information.

• Carrying out research using fiction texts.

• Carrying out a fair test enquiry.

Answer explanation

We can learn more about the ways living things have evolved over time by looking at secondary sources such as non-fiction books, asking experts or articles on the internet.

What evidence do scientists have that supports the theory of evolution?

• the fossil record

• living things that are alive today

• volcanic rock

• prehistoric photographs

Answer explanation

The fossils we have collected over time and observations of similarities and differences between living things; provide evidence that supports the theory of evolution.

Which of these statements about evolution is correct?

• Living things can choose to evolve if their habitats change.

• There is no proof to support the theory of evolution.

• Only animals can evolve, not plants or micro-organisms.

• Evolution happens over time and over many generations of a species.

Answer explanation

It takes many generations of a species reproducing and passing their characteristics onto their offspring over time for new species to evolve.

Which of these is an example of evolution?

• Tadpoles becoming frogs as they get older.

• Birds developing different beaks in different habitats over many generations.

• Plants producing one generation of offspring who inherit their adaptations.

• Animals shedding a thick winter coat when the weather becomes warmer in spring.

Answer explanation

Evolution takes place of many generations of a species. Birds that share a common ancestor but have spent many generations reproducing in different habitats are likely to begin evolving so they look and function differently to each other.