Evolution Constructed Response Review

Refer to Figure 1 and answer the following question: The small tree finch and the small ground finch occupy different niches. State one reason, other than food, why these finches might have different niches.

State one possible cause for the extinction of species E.

Are species A and B more closely related than A and D?

Most humans enjoy candy and sweets. As a result of evolutionary history, we have a variety of tastes. This is not true of all animals , as cats lost the gene to detect sweets. This is also true of birds, with the exemptions of hummingbirds. They are sweet junkies . they have evolved from insect eating ancestors. The genes that detect savory flavors of insects underwent changes, making hummingbirds sensitive to sugar. They enjoy high calorie flower nectar.

Discuss how sweet sensitivity in hummingbirds has developed. In your answer, be sure to:

- Identify the initial event responsible for the new sweet-sensing gene.

- Explain how the presence of the sweet-sensing gene increased in the hummingbird population over time.

- Describe how the fossil record of hummingbird ancestors might be used to learn more about the evolution of food preferences in hummingbirds.

A certain small population of finches already has an “ideal” beak type for its present environment. Which of the following are specific adaptations, other than beak type, that would contribute to the ability of these finches to survive?

Unique populations of giant tortoises live in the Galapagos Islands. This is the same group of islands where Darwin studied his famous finches. It is thought that the original ancestors of today’s giant tortoises came from the mainland of South America. These animals left and drifted in the ocean to the islands where they began to live, reproduce, and evolve. Each of the islands has a different habitat. Each species varies in shell shape and body structure. Information about two of these species of giant tortoises and their habitats is found in the table below.

If a group of saddle-backed tortoises were brought to an island inhabited by dome-shaped tortoises, could both species survive? Support your answer

Ten years ago, scientists discovered a well-preserved set of dinosaur remains in China. This dinosaur, which walked on Earth about 125 million years ago, had feathers and was about the same size as a turkey — but don’t be fooled. This dino’s bite was a lot worse than a turkey’s gobble. After a close (and careful!) examination of the dino’s teeth, scientists recently concluded that this dinosaur was probably poisonous. The study was led by David Burnham, who works and teaches at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

Source: www.sciencenewsforkids.org

State one inference that could be made based on the fact that this dinosaur had feathers.

Answer

State one inference that could be made based on the fact that this dinosaur had feathers.