Evidence of Evolution

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

• natural selection
• embryology
• speciation
• evolution

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Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?

• the wings of a red-tailed hawk
• the hind limbs of a house cat
• the fins of sharks
• the tailbone of a human

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What are homologous structures?

• Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry.

• Structures that have the same function in different species but do not have common ancestry.

• Structures that are present in an organism but have no apparent function.

• Identical structures found in closely related species.

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Fossil records have shown a progression from simple to more complex organisms. This supports the theory of evolution by suggesting:

• Instantaneous creation of all life forms.

• Gradual change and increasing complexity over time.

• That complex organisms have always existed.

• That there is no link between different life forms.

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Why are homologous structures considered evidence for common ancestry?

• Because they perform the same function in different species.

• Because they show that different species can evolve independently to have similar structures.

• Because they indicate that different species have structures that are similar in position and structure but may differ in function.

• Because they are structures that are no longer needed but still appear in the organism.

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Which of the following best describes vestigial structures?

• Structures that are fully functional and essential for survival.

• Structures that have lost all or most of their original function in the course of evolution.

• Structures that have evolved to perform a new function.

• Structures that are found only in embryonic stages.

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Comparative embryology provides evidence for evolution because it shows that:

• Adult forms of different species look similar.

• Embryos of different species pass through similar stages, suggesting a common ancestry.

• The DNA of embryos from different species is identical.

• Embryos of all species develop at the same rate.

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The study of biogeography can help explain:

• Why unrelated species in different parts of the world look similar.

• Why similar habitats across the world can be home to very different species.

• How species have spread and adapted to different environments over time.

• All of the above.

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What is the role of DNA in the study of evolution?

• It provides evidence of the age of fossils.

• It shows the physical characteristics of extinct species.

• It reveals the genetic similarities and differences between species, suggesting common ancestry.

• It has no role in the study of evolution.

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The age of something compared to the age of other things. (Not an exact age) 

• relative age 
• absolute age 
• superposition 
• index 

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