Evolution

What are vestigial structures?

• Structures that have a critical function in one species but are less developed and functional in another.

• Structures that are fully functional in one species but have no apparent function in another.

• Structures that are present in an embryo but disappear before birth.

• Structures that have no apparent function and are remnants of organs that had a function in ancestral species.

Which of the following is an example of homologous structures?

• The wings of a bird and the wings of a butterfly.

• The flippers of a penguin and the fins of a fish.

• The forelimbs of a human and the wings of a bat.

• The tails of a monkey and the tails of a fish.

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Why is embryology considered evidence for evolution?

• Because embryos of different species look identical throughout development.

• Because the embryonic stages of different species show significant differences from the start.

• Because similar structures develop in different ways in embryos of different species.

• Because embryos of different species show similar stages of development, suggesting a common ancestry.

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What role does biochemical evidence play in supporting the theory of evolution?

• It shows that all living organisms have completely unique genetic codes.

• It demonstrates that organisms with a closer evolutionary relationship have more similar DNA and proteins.

• It proves that biochemical reactions are different in every species.

• It indicates that environmental factors are solely responsible for the diversity of life.

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Which of the following is NOT a vestigial structure in humans?

• Appendix

• Coccyx (tailbone)

• Wisdom teeth

• Heart

How do homologous structures support the theory of evolution?

• By showing that similar structures in different species have different functions.

• By indicating that different structures in different species have the same function.

• By proving that all structures in all species have a common function.

• By demonstrating that similar structures in different species were inherited from a common ancestor.

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Which of the following best describes the significance of the fossil record in studying evolution?

• It provides direct evidence of organisms that are currently living.

• It offers a chronological record of species that have existed over time, showing changes within groups and the emergence of new species.

• It shows that species have not changed over millions of years.

• It only includes fossils of large animals, making it incomplete.

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If two organisms have similar traits of DNA they are probably

• share a common ancestor
• share a common environment
• share a common population
• speciation

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

• vestigial structures
• homologous structures
• adaptive radiation
• fossil

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According to this phylogenetic tree, which creature is the least related out of all pictured?

• Fish

• Frog

• Salamander

• Human

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