Evidence for Evolution Quiz

Which type of evidence for evolution shows the chronological history of life and includes extinct organisms?

• Biogeography

• Fossil Record

• Comparative Anatomy

• Vestigial Structures

Answer explanation

The Fossil Record provides chronological evidence of life on Earth, including both extinct and extant organisms. It shows how species have changed over time, making it the best choice for this question.

When two unrelated species develop similar structures that serve the same function, this is an example of:

• Homologous structures

• Vestigial structures

• Analogous structures

• Embryological structures

Answer explanation

When unrelated species develop similar structures that perform the same function, it is called analogous structures. This occurs due to convergent evolution, where different species adapt similarly to similar environments.

What type of evidence explains why penguins are found only in the Southern Hemisphere and polar bears are found only in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Comparative DNA studies

• Comparative embryology

• Comparative anatomy

• Biogeography

Answer explanation

Biogeography explains the distribution of species across different regions. Penguins are native to the Southern Hemisphere, while polar bears are found in the Northern Hemisphere, illustrating how geographic barriers influence species location.

The presence of a tailbone in humans is an example of:

• Vestigial structures

• Analogous structures

• Homologous structures

• Fossil evidence

Answer explanation

The tailbone in humans is a remnant of a tail from our ancestors, serving no significant purpose today. This makes it a vestigial structure, which are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

What evolutionary evidence suggests that whales and humans share a common ancestor based on their early development?

• Biogeography

• Fossil record

• Comparative embryology

• Analogous structures

Answer explanation

Comparative embryology shows that during early development, both whales and humans exhibit similar structures, indicating they share a common ancestor. This evidence highlights the evolutionary relationships among species.

The wing of a bat and the arm of a human are examples of:

• Analogous structures

• Vestigial structures

• Homologous structures

• Convergent structures

Answer explanation

The wing of a bat and the arm of a human are homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin, despite having different functions. This indicates a similar anatomical structure adapted for different uses.

Which type of evidence shows that chimpanzees and humans are more closely related than humans and lizards?

• Fossil record

• Comparative DNA studies

• Biogeography

• Vestigial structures

Answer explanation

Comparative DNA studies provide direct genetic evidence, showing that chimpanzees and humans share a higher percentage of DNA similarity compared to humans and lizards, indicating a closer evolutionary relationship.

The wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bird are examples of:

• Homologous structures

• Vestigial structures

• Embryological structures

• Analogous structures

Answer explanation

The wings of a butterfly and a bird are examples of analogous structures because they serve similar functions (flight) but evolved independently in different lineages, unlike homologous structures which share a common ancestry.

What type of evidence involves comparing similar body parts that may have different functions in related species?

• Comparative anatomy

• Comparative embryology

• Biogeography

• Fossil record

Answer explanation

Comparative anatomy involves analyzing similar body structures in different species, even if they serve different functions. This helps in understanding evolutionary relationships and adaptations among species.

Which evolutionary evidence explains why species on islands often have unique characteristics compared to mainland species?

• Comparative embryology

• Comparative anatomy

• Biogeography

• Vestigial structures

Answer explanation

Biogeography explains how species evolve differently on islands due to isolation and unique environmental pressures, leading to distinct characteristics compared to mainland species.