Extinct Animals

The diagram shows the front limbs of four different members of the horse family, based on the fossil record. They are arranged from the oldest to the most recent. Which best describes how the front limbs of horses have changed over time?

• They have gained additional toes.

• The bones have become stronger.

•   The toes have reduced in number.

• The bones have become shorter.

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Scientists studied the teeth on the fossils of an ancient fish. The oldest fossils indicate the fish mostly ate plankton. The teeth on more recent fossils indicate the fish began to eat larger plants. Which hypothesis does this observation best support?

• Over time, the fish grew considerably in size.

• Over time, the fish occupied different ecological niches

• Over time, the fish changed from living in salt water to living in fresh water.

• Over time, the fish changed from a primary consumer to a secondary consumer.

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Scientists have discovered a fossil skeleton of a whale-like creature that lived in the early Eocene epoch. The skeleton shows an organism with large fore and hind limbs with distinct toes. Fossil skeletons of closely related species from later periods show organisms lacking hind limbs. Which conclusion does this observation best support?

• Ancestors of whales may once have been able to walk

• Ancestors of whales had fewer bones than modern whales.

• Whales and their ancestors have always been ocean dwellers.

• Whales and their ancestors have been the largest living animals.

   

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Paleontologists are scientists who study evidence of past life on Earth. Which method do paleontologists most likely use to determine the forms of life that existed millions of years ago?

 

• examine current species of plants and animals

• research past species in the library

• interview older scientists

• examine fossils records

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Why do endangered species matter? Species extinction threatens _______

• biodiversity

• local and global ecosystems

• other species through domino effect

• all of the above

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What do you call a scientist that studies fossils?

• Scientist

• Paleontologist

• Doctor

• Archeologist

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The remains or mark of an animal or plant that lived long ago is____

• fossil

• paleontologist

• fossil fuels

• extinct

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What extinct animals do you know?

• Dodo, Great Auk, Steller's Sea Cow, Tasmanian Tiger, Passenger Pigeon, Pyrenean Ibex

• Chinese River Dolphin, Wooly Mammoth, Sabre Toothed Cat.

• Western Black Rhino

• Northern White Rhino

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Which extinct animal is known for being the largest land mammal ever to exist?

• A) Woolly Mammoth

• B) Megatherium

• C) Paraceratherium

• D) Dodo

What is the primary reason for the extinction of the dodo bird?

• A) Climate change

• B) Overhunting by humans

• C) Habitat destruction

• D) Introduction of invasive species

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