Evidence of Evolution

Structures with the same parts have different functions; suggests that organisms share a common ancestry

• vestigial structures

• homologous structures

• adaptive radiation

• fossil

Answer explanation

Homologous structures are anatomical features in different organisms that share a common origin but may serve different functions, indicating a shared ancestry. This supports the idea of evolution and common descent.

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Study of embryos of various organisms to show a common ancestor because of similarities in development

• natural selection

• embryology

• speciation

• evolution

Answer explanation

Embryology is the study of embryos and their development, revealing similarities among different organisms that suggest a common ancestor. This supports the idea of evolutionary relationships through shared developmental stages.

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Some organisms that share a common ancestor have features that have different functions, but similar structures.  These are known as

• vestigial structures

• analogous structures

• homologous structures

• fossil structures

Answer explanation

Homologous structures are features in different organisms that share a common ancestor, exhibiting similar structures but serving different functions. This distinguishes them from analogous structures, which have similar functions but different origins.

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How do fossils provide evidence that evolution has happened on Earth?

• Fossils show how the sizes of certain animals has changed drastically over millions of years

• Fossils show that some species have gone extinct

• Fossils show how life forms present today are different than those from the past

• Different sedimentary rock layers provide evidence for how the environment has changed over time

Answer explanation

Fossils provide a record of past life forms, showing how they differ from modern species. This evidence of change over time supports the theory of evolution, illustrating the diversity and adaptation of life on Earth.

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The diagram illustrates an embryonic stage of two organisms.

Which of the following can be determined by observing the embryos shown in the diagram

• The organisms share a common ancestry.

• The organisms belong to the same genus.

• The organisms are native to the same geographic areas.

• The organisms will grow into anatomically similar adults.

Answer explanation

The embryos' similarities suggest they share a common ancestry, indicating evolutionary relationships. This does not confirm they belong to the same genus, are geographically related, or will develop into similar adults.

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Humans, birds, whales, and lizards all have similar arm bones. What is the reason for this?

• The function of these bones is the same in all animals

• They live in similar environments

• They have a common ancestor

• All organisms resemble humans

Answer explanation

The similarity in arm bones among humans, birds, whales, and lizards indicates they share a common ancestor. This evolutionary relationship explains the structural similarities despite their different functions and environments.

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Vestigial structures

• structures that perform a similar function but are not similar in origin

• remnants of once-important structures that have slowly lost all or most of their function

• features found in different organisms that share structural similarities but may have very different functions

• preserved remains of an organism

Answer explanation

Vestigial structures are remnants of once-important structures that have slowly lost all or most of their function, such as the human appendix, which no longer serves its original digestive purpose.

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Which layer is the youngest

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

Layer 1 is the youngest because, in geological terms, the topmost layer is the most recent, having been deposited last. Therefore, it is the most recent in time compared to layers 2, 3, and 4.

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The changes of species over time

• Embryonic 

• Natural selection 

• Mimicry 

• Evolution 

Answer explanation

The changes of species over time are best described by evolution, which encompasses the processes that lead to the diversity of life through mechanisms like natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift.

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The picture shows a/an ___________

• homologous structure

• vestigial structure

Answer explanation

The picture shows a homologous structure, which refers to anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, indicating evolutionary relationships. Vestigial structures are remnants with no significant function.

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