Introduction to Evolution

What do we call a belief system referring to slow, consistent change?

• Materialism

• Gradualism

• Evolution

• Uniformitarianism

Which of the following CANNOT be considered a homologous characteristic?

• number of limbs

• spotted coloration of fur

• presence of ribs

• mineral deposits in their skeleton

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Which of the following animals are least related to the perch?

• flounder

• lungfish

• spiders

• mammals

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is one theory about how bird wings may have evolved?

• From aquatic ancestors who swam long distances

• From dinosaurs that developed proto-wings for gliding between trees

• From mammals that used flaps of skin for short flights

• From reptiles that burrowed underground

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The process by which unrelated species develop similar traits or adaptations due to similar environmental pressures, as seen in penguins and other diving birds is known as what?

• slow evolution

• divergent evolution

• convergent evolution

• mimic evolution

An early species of bird-like dinosaur that provides important evidence of the transition between dinosaurs and modern birds.

• Archaeopteryx

• Aardonyx

• Abelisaurus

• Achillobator

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is the primary mechanism by which evolution occurs according to Darwin's theory?

• Natural selection

• Genetic drift

• Mutation

• Artificial selection

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

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

• Appendix

• Heart

• Liver

• Lungs

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What term describes the process by which species evolve over short periods of time due to environmental changes?

• Punctuated equilibrium

• Gradualism

• Convergent evolution

• Divergent evolution

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which scientist is known for co-developing the theory of natural selection alongside Charles Darwin?

• Alfred Russel Wallace

• Gregor Mendel

• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

• Thomas Malthus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4