Common Ancestry

What are vestigial structures?

• Structures that have lost most or all of their original function through the course of evolution, such as the pelvic bones in whales.

• Structures that are fully functional and necessary for survival.

• Structures that are newly evolved and serve a specific purpose.

• Structures that are identical in function across different species.

How do fossils provide evidence for common ancestry?

• Fossils show the physical characteristics of ancient organisms, allowing scientists to trace the evolution of species over time.

• Fossils are only found in sedimentary rocks and do not provide any information about ancestry.

• Fossils can be used to determine the exact age of ancient organisms without any context.

• Fossils are merely remnants of organisms that do not relate to modern species.

What are homologous structures?

• Anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, such as the forelimbs of humans and bats.

• Structures that serve the same function in different species but do not share a common ancestry, like wings of birds and insects.

• Randomly occurring anatomical features that have no relation to ancestry or function.

• Anatomical features that are identical in structure and function across all species.

What is the role of natural selection in evolution?

• Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

• Natural selection is the random process by which all organisms have an equal chance of survival.

• Natural selection is the method by which organisms intentionally change their traits to adapt to their environment.

• Natural selection is the process of creating new species through genetic mutations.

What is an example of molecular homology?

• Comparing the DNA sequences of humans and chimpanzees, which show a high degree of similarity.

• Analyzing the physical characteristics of different species of birds.

• Studying the fossil records of ancient reptiles.

• Observing the behavioral patterns of mammals in the wild.

What is the importance of studying common ancestry?

• It helps scientists explain the diversity of life and the evolutionary processes that shape it.

• It provides a way to classify organisms based on their physical characteristics.

• It allows scientists to predict future species based on current trends.

• It focuses solely on the genetic makeup of individual species.

What is common ancestry?

• The idea that all living organisms are unrelated.

• The concept that different species share a common ancestor, indicating that they have evolved from a shared lineage.

• A theory that suggests species do not change over time.

• The belief that species are created independently without any relation.

What is an example of a vestigial structure?

• The wings of flightless birds, which are remnants of their flying ancestors.

• The gills of adult frogs, which are used for breathing underwater.

• The legs of snakes, which are used for locomotion.

• The eyes of cave-dwelling fish, which are used for seeing in the dark.

What is biogeography?

• The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.

• The analysis of climate patterns and their effects on biodiversity.

• The examination of human impact on natural habitats and wildlife.

• The exploration of geological formations and their historical significance.

What is the significance of embryological structures in common ancestry?

• They indicate the age of the species.

• They show that species can evolve independently.

• Similarities in the embryonic development of different species can indicate a common ancestor.

• They are irrelevant to evolutionary biology.