Biogeography and Evolution Concepts

The video explores various examples of evolutionary change over time, including the fossil record, biogeography, and specific cases like Tiktaalik and horse evolution. It highlights how fossils provide evidence of transitional organisms and how geographical isolation leads to unique evolutionary paths, as seen in Australia and island species.

Which of the following is NOT a method to observe change over time in organisms?

• Photosynthesis

• Biogeography

• Fossil record

• Selective breeding

What is a transitional organism?

• An organism that is only found in fossils

• An organism that is extinct

• An organism that shows traits of two different groups

• An organism that has not evolved

Why is the fossil record considered incomplete?

• It is biased towards soft-bodied organisms

• It includes all organisms that ever existed

• It is a recent scientific discovery

• It only shows organisms with hard parts like bones or shells

How did the environment influence horse evolution in North America?

• The environment became a grassland, requiring horses to travel long distances

• The environment became colder, leading to thicker fur

• The environment became wetter, leading to webbed feet

• The environment became more forested

What is biogeography?

• The study of animal behavior

• The study of species distribution based on geography

• The study of plant growth

• The study of fossils

Why do isolated continents like Australia have unique species?

• They have a different climate

• They have been separated for a long time, leading to distinct evolutionary paths

• They have more food resources

• They have more predators

How did foxes end up on the islands off the coast of California?

• They swam across the ocean

• They were brought by humans

• They flew over with birds

• They crossed an ice bridge during an Ice Age

What distinguishes marsupials from placental mammals?

• Marsupials carry their young in a pouch

• Marsupials lay eggs

• Marsupials have feathers

• Marsupials are only found in Africa

Why are there no native placental mammals in Australia?

• Australia has no suitable habitats

• Australia separated before placental mammals evolved

• Australia has a harsh climate

• Australia is too small

What is an endemic species?

• A species that migrates seasonally

• A species that is extinct

• A species unique to a specific location

• A species found worldwide