Unit 8: Diversity & Evolution

Which of the following best explains this difference?

• Bacterial populations are more isolated, permitting the quick change in genetic variability.

• Certain bacteria grow more steadily over time, giving an evolutionary advantage over mammals.

• Bacteria reproduce more rapidly, allowing for natural selection to take place faster.

• Individual bacteria have the same genes, providing opportunities for much biodiversity in one population

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

How are fossils used to support the Theory of Evolution?

• Fossils give scientists proof that species rate of evolution depends on time.

• Fossils provide evidence of the past that shows how species have changed over time.

• Fossils are used by scientists to predict future extinction rates of species.

• Fossils provide evidence of the past that shows how species have changed over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What evidence does the discovery of Tiktaalik give to support the theory of evolution?

• Tiktaalik shows that extinct species are related to modern species, which supports the idea of common ancestry.

• Tiktaalik shows that fish decided to grow legs at some point, which allowed them to walk on land.

• Tiktaalik shows that land animals and fish are not as closely related as once thought.

• Tiktaalik shows that land animals and fish developed from completely different ancestors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

An organism lives in a warm climate, which, occasionally has cold winters. During the cold winters, only a few individuals from this species survive. What response would you expect the species to do in order to survive the cold winters?

• The surviving parrots will die during this winter or the next winter.

• The parrot population will, over time, produce offspring that are better able to tolerate cold weather.

• The parrots will migrate to higher latitudes to preserve their population.

• The surviving parrots will produce offspring that have larger feathers to cover the body.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Crabs are organisms that have five pairs of legs. In certain species of crabs, the fifth pair of legs has a flattened, paddle-like shape. Which of the statements below best explains why this adaptation has evolved?

• Crabs with this adaptation can camouflage themselves from predators in mud.

• Crabs with this adaptation can more effectively defend against predators in oyster beds.

• Crabs with this adaptation can climb mangrove trees to hide themselves from predators.

• Crabs with this adaptation can quickly swim away from predators in open water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of the following best describes natural selection?

• Natural selection is a random process that takes place over long periods of time.

• Natural selection relies on advantageous traits becoming more common in the population.

• Natural selection acts so that all negative traits in a population are removed over time.

• Natural selection reduces the likelihood of extinction for organisms which are not adapted to their environment.

Endangered species, such as the giant panda, are species with decreasing populations that are at risk of extinction. Which of the following facts about giant pandas would most likely contribute to the their high risk of extinction?

• Giant pandas do not hibernate.

• Giant pandas only eat bamboo.

• Giant pandas raise their cubs alone.

• Giant pandas have few natural predators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Has the theory of evolution been changed? If yes, what would cause it to change.

• Yes, new evidence could cause scientists to modify the theory.

• Yes, there a new scientist declared it a law.

• No, theories can't be changed, only laws

• No, once a theory is made, there is no way to change it, only throw it out.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

When a scientist first presents an idea or data to another group of scientists, what should the other scientists do before believe the data or determining the discovery a theory/law?

• Scientists will revise the theory of evolution in light of this new discovery.

• Scientists will repeat the experiment in a controlled laboratory setting to validate the results.

• Scientists will debate and seek confirmation through additional research prior to accepting the findings as fact.

• Scientists will create a genetic map of the birds using a computer modeling system to share with South American leaders

You have a dark room with grey walls. Some butterflies are grey and some are white. While the lights are off, all butterflies are able to hide well. However, someone adds blacklight in the room and the white butterflies glow. How will natural selection MOST LIKELY affect the colors of the butterflies?

• The number of grey butterfly population will increase.

• The number of white butterfly population will increase.

• The grey butterfly population will develop white colorations.

• The white butterfly population will develop grey colorations

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4