Evolutionary Biology Concepts

The video explores the evolution of whales, highlighting their transition from land-dwelling mammals to ocean inhabitants. It discusses homologous structures, transitional fossils, DNA similarities, and embryological evidence to demonstrate evolutionary relationships. The video also details the evolutionary journey of whales, from their earliest ancestors to modern-day species.

What is a homologous structure?

• A structure that is found only in aquatic animals

• A structure that is unique to mammals

• A structure that shows a shared ancestry between species

• A structure that is identical in all species

What is a transitional fossil?

• A fossil that shows no evolutionary change

• A fossil that is identical to modern species

• A fossil that is found only in marine environments

• A fossil that exhibits traits of both ancestral and descendant groups

Which species is closely related to humans based on DNA similarities?

• Bacteria

• Birds

• Whales

• Chimps

What percentage of DNA do humans share with bacteria?

• 98%

• 50%

• 7%

• 25%

What does embryological evidence suggest about the relationship between pigs, rabbits, cows, and humans?

• They are not related at all

• They share a common ancestor

• They evolved independently

• They have identical adult forms

What is a vertebrate?

• An organism that lives in water

• An organism that can fly

• An organism with a backbone

• An organism without a backbone

What was the primary diet of the Pakicetus?

• Birds

• Insects

• Plants

• Fish

Which adaptation allowed the Rodhocetus to swim more efficiently?

• Longer legs

• Thicker fur

• Larger ears

• Modified tail into a fin

What significant change occurred in the Dorudon compared to its ancestors?

• It developed wings

• It moved to land

• It grew larger ears

• It developed a blowhole

What feature is no longer visible in modern whales that was present in their ancestors?

• Gills

• Wings

• Fur

• Hind limbs