LS.8.3.1 - Inferring Evolutionary Relationships

Which of the following is a primary method used to date fossils?

• Radiocarbon dating

• Thermoluminescence

• Stratigraphy

• Dendrochronology

What is the main purpose of using comparative anatomy in evolutionary biology?

• To identify the age of fossils

• To compare the DNA sequences of different species

• To find similarities and differences in the anatomy of different organisms

• To study the behavior of living organisms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Explain how homologous structures provide evidence for common ancestry.

• They show how different species have evolved independently.

• They indicate that different species have similar functions.

• They demonstrate that different species have similar structures due to shared ancestry.

• They prove that all species have identical genetic material.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is a limitation of the fossil record?

• It provides a complete history of all life forms.

• It only includes organisms with hard parts like bones and shells.

• It can be used to determine the exact age of Earth.

• It shows the behavior of ancient organisms.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Describe how scientists use evolutionary trees to interpret evolutionary relationships.

• By arranging species based on their physical size

• By organizing species based on their habitat

• By illustrating the evolutionary pathways and common ancestors of different species

• By listing species in alphabetical order

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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

• The wings of a bat and the wings of a butterfly

• The flippers of a whale and the wings of a bird

• The forelimbs of a human and the forelimbs of a cat

• The eyes of a human and the eyes of an octopus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Analyze the following scenario: A paleontologist finds two fossils in different layers of sedimentary rock. What can be inferred about the relative ages of these fossils?

• The fossil in the lower layer is older than the fossil in the upper layer.

• The fossil in the upper layer is older than the fossil in the lower layer.

• Both fossils are the same age.

• The age cannot be determined without further testing.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the significance of anatomical similarities in different species?

• They indicate that the species have different evolutionary origins.

• They suggest that the species have similar diets.

• They provide evidence for common ancestry and evolutionary relationships.

• They show that the species live in similar environments.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which technique is used to compare the anatomical features of different species?

• Genetic sequencing

• Comparative anatomy

• Radiometric dating

• Behavioral analysis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Evaluate the following statement: "Fossils are the only evidence used to study evolutionary relationships." Is this statement true or false? Justify your answer.

• True, because fossils provide the most direct evidence of past life.

• False, because other evidence such as DNA and comparative anatomy are also used.

• True, because fossils are the only physical evidence of ancient organisms.

• False, because fossils are not reliable for studying evolution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3