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Evidence for Evolution

Total questions: 21

Worksheet time: 44mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Humans, birds, whales and lizards all have similar arm bones. What do evolutionists consider is the reason for this?

a)

The function of these bones is the same in all animals

b)

They live in similar environments

c)

They have a common ancestor

d)

All organisms resemble humans

2.

The process by which populations slowly change over time is called__________

a)

selective breeding

b)

adaptation

c)

sepeciation

d)

evolution

3.

From an evolutionary perspective, organisms that share a common ancestor have structures that are similar, but have different functions.These similar structures are known as

a)

vestigial structures

b)

analogous structures

c)

homologous structures

d)

fossil structures

4.

The diagram shows fossils in different rock layers. Which of these statements about the age of these fossils is most likely correct from the evolutionary perspective?

a)

Fossil A and C are the same age

b)

Fossil B is older than fossil C

c)

Fossils A is older than fossil B

d)

Fossil D is older than fossil C

5.
Individuals that are well adapted to their environment will survive and produce:
a)
Fewer mutations
b)
Stronger genes
c)
More offspring
d)
Better traits
6.

An inherited trait that helps the organisms that have it to survive is known as a/an

a)

niche

b)

structure

c)

characteristic

d)

adaptation

7.

Which scientist is credited with coming up with the theory of natural selection?

a)

Charles Darwin

b)

Gregor Mendel

c)

Isaac Newton

d)

Albert Einstein

8.

Which term means that only the best suited organisms will survive and reproduce?

a)

geographic isolation

b)

extinction

c)

natural selection

d)

evolution

9.

Structures are similar in function but not in anatomical structure

a)

Vestigial

b)

Homologous

c)

Analogous Structures

d)

Embryonic

10.

Which process of evolution is demonstrated below?

a)

Comparative anatomy

b)

Homologous structures

c)

Comparative embryology

d)

Vestigial structures

11.
Whales are aquatic mammals that contain a pelvis bone.  Even though it does not aid in its movement, the function must have been used by a common ancestor of the whale.  Thus, the pelvis is referred to as a(n)
a)
vestigial structure
b)
analogous structure
c)
homologous structure
12.

What type of structures are these?

a)

Homologous

b)

Analogous

c)

Vestigial

d)

Fossils

13.

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?

a)

the wings of a red-tailed hawk

b)

the hind limbs of a house cat

c)

the fins of sharks

d)

the tailbone of a human

14.

What type of evidence of evolution is being demonstrated?

a)

Fossil record

b)

Vestigial structures

c)

Homologous structures

d)

Comparative DNA

15.

According to this data, the unknown species is most closely related to ...

a)

Species I

b)

Species II

c)

Species III

d)

Species IV

16.

The human gene for muscle protein differs from the muscle protein in monkeys in 4 places. It differs from chickens in 25 places. According to this information, which organism is more closely related to humans?

a)

Monkeys are more closely related because their proteins have fewer differences.

b)

Chickens are closer to humans because there are more genes.

c)

Monkeys are closer to humans because they both have the exact same genes.

d)

Neither organism is related to humans.

17.

About how long ago did the first primates appear on Earth according to fossil evidence?

a)

About 100 million years ago

b)

About 100 years ago

c)

About 2 million years ago

d)

About 225 million years ago

18.

Which of the following did NOT occur during the Paleozoic Era?

a)

The first mammals appeared on Earth.

b)

The first chordates appeared on Earth.

c)

There was a greater diversity of jawed fish.

d)

Major extinctions took place.

19.

Which piece of evidence did Wegener use to support continental drift?

a)

The shape of the continents

b)

Similar fossils found on separate continents

c)

Plant fossils found in odd places

d)

All of the above

20.

The large ground finch obtains food by cracking seeds. Its short, strong beak is an example of

a)

a vestigial structure

b)

an analogous structure

c)

an adaptation

d)

a mutation

21.

Charles Darwin traveled to the Galapagos Islands and studied a variety of species including tortoises, finches, and mockingbirds. Which type of evidence was he NOT able to use to form and support his theory?

a)

DNA (Biochemistry) evidence

b)

Comparative Anatomy

c)

Biogeography (where organisms live)

d)

Fossil evidence