S7L5

If an organism has a vestigial structure, that structure likely once had a function in a(n)

• close relative

• early ancestor

• unrelated organism

• embryological stage

Answer explanation

A vestigial structure indicates that it was functional in an early ancestor of the organism. Over time, as species evolved, these structures may lose their original function, but their presence reflects evolutionary history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A __________________ is a permanent change in the genetic makeup of an organism.

• Mutation

• Adaptation

• Natural Selection

• Evolution

Answer explanation

A mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. Unlike adaptation, natural selection, or evolution, which describe processes or outcomes, mutation specifically refers to the change in genetic makeup.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

Organisms with traits that are best suited for their environments are likely to have a greater chance for survival. These helpful traits, which arise due to genetic mutations, are known as _____________________.

• Mutation

• Adaptations

• Natural Selection

• Evolution

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Adaptations' because these are traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive in its environment, resulting from genetic mutations. 'Natural Selection' is the process that favors these adaptations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

All living things that are best adapted to their environments will be more likely to survive. This idea is known as _____________________ ____________________.

• Mutation

• Adaptations

• Natural Selection

• Evolution

Answer explanation

The concept that living things best suited to their environment are more likely to survive is known as Natural Selection. This process drives evolution by favoring advantageous traits.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which feature helps an animal hide from other animals?

• looking like a dangerous animal

• being the same color as the place it lives (camoflauge)

• having sharp claws or a strong shel

• having only a few young and caring for them

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'being the same color as the place it lives (camouflage)' because this feature allows animals to blend into their environment, making it harder for predators or prey to spot them.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Mutations are a change in what?

• DNA

• tRNA

• genotype

• phenotype

Answer explanation

Mutations are changes that occur in DNA, which can affect the genotype and phenotype. However, the direct change is specifically in the DNA sequence itself, making 'DNA' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The theory of natural selection was introduced by

• Gregor Mendel

• Sir Isaac Newton

• Charles Darwin

• Copernicus

Answer explanation

The theory of natural selection, which explains how species evolve over time through the survival of the fittest, was introduced by Charles Darwin in his work "On the Origin of Species."

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What is the theory of natural selection?

• The practice by which humans select plants or animals for breeding based on desired traits.

• An inherited trait that helps an organism to survive.

• Differences in traits

• individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce

Answer explanation

The theory of natural selection states that individuals better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on advantageous traits to future generations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What is another name for natural selection?

• survival of the biggest

• survival of the fastest

• survival of the smartest

• survival of the fittest

Answer explanation

Natural selection is often referred to as 'survival of the fittest,' which emphasizes that the individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations is called a(an):

• hypothesis

• experiment

• cause and effect

• scientific theory

Answer explanation

A scientific theory is a well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations and is supported by evidence. It differs from a hypothesis, which is a testable prediction, and is more comprehensive than cause and effect.