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Changes in Species over Time

Total questions: 111

Worksheet time: 2hrs 30mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Who established that all species of life descended over time from common ancestors?

a)

Albert Einstein

b)

Gregor Mendel

c)

Charles Darwin

d)

Robert Hooke

2.

_______ are unique traits developed by organisms to help them survive, thrive, and reproduce in their particular environment.

a)

cells

b)

mutations

c)

chromosomes

d)

adaptations

3.

Natural selection is defined as

a)

the changes in the characteristics within a population that lead to survival.

b)

the process by which humans select the most desirable organisms in a population.

c)

the changes that occur in a population that do not affect survival.

4.

Some organisms have favorable traits that are well-suited to their environments. Organisms with this advantage are more likely to thrive, reproduce, and pass their traits to future generations than organisms without favorable traits. This process is known as

a)

genetic engineering

b)

natural selection

c)

selective breeding

d)

artificial selection

5.

How long does it take for a species to change?

a)

A few years

b)

Hours

c)

A very long time

d)

A month or two

6.

Which of the following is an example of natural selection?

a)

Cricket frogs prefer to sleep during the day, while red-eyed tree frogs prefer to sleep during the night.

b)

Pesticides are sprayed in a field, resulting in an increase in crop growth and a decrease in insect population.

c)

Rabbits with a mutation for longer, thicker fur survive an unusually cold winter, while many normal rabbits do not survive.

7.
An inherited trait that makes an individual different from other members of its species is called (can be good or bad) --
a)
an adaptation
b)
a variation
c)
species
d)
natural selection
8.
Which term refers to the process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce?
a)
natural selection
b)
overproduction
c)
competition
d)
variation
9.

Which of the following explains what environmental and physical characteristics of the finch s

led Darwin to develop his theory?

a)

Darwin concluded that the beaks were different because the finches were not related species

on the different islands.

b)

Darwin concluded that the beaks were different because they are attracting various predators

that will eat them for energy.

c)

Darwin concluded that the beaks were different because they are acquired traits that developed based on the food source.

d)

Darwin concluded that the beaks were different because the food source allowed for

survival of the trait that was best and passed on.

10.

The following are the main points of natural selection EXCEPT:

a)

Population has variations.

b)

Some variations are favorable.

c)

More offspring are produced than survive.

d)

A population won't change over time.

11.

What is an adaptation?

a)

an animal that hunts and eats other animals

b)

a group of individuals of one species

c)

a change that helps an organism survive in its habitat

d)

the process by which helpful traits pass on to new generations

12.

How do scientists know that species change over time?

a)

they observe animals in the zoo

b)

they read books about animals

c)

they look for predators

d)

they study fossils

13.

some finches eat insects; other finches eat fruit. Which hypothesis does this fact support?

a)

different finches have adapted to the food sources in their habitats

b)

some finches cannot learn to pick insects out of tree bark

c)

some birds are more colorful than other birds

d)

the finches that eat fruit will become extinct

14.

Fossils of horses from 3 million years ago have short legs. Fossils of horses from 1 million years ago have much longer legs. Which sentence best summarizes this fossil evidence?

a)

horses with longer legs are more beautiful and more popular

b)

horses have not adapted to their habitats

c)

longer legs gave the horse a survival advantage as the environment changed

d)

the older fossils were probably dogs and not horses

15.

Which adaptation helps the animal escape from predators?

a)

the bear sleeps during winter

b)

the toad blends into its environment

c)

a frog grow legs

d)

a bird migrates with the season

16.

Studying fossils and observing anatomy belong to

a)

traits and adaptations

b)

survival and selection

c)

evidence of change

17.

Over time, this results in changes in inherited characteristics of a population. These changes increase a species fitness in its environment

a)

Descent

b)

Natural Selection

c)

Natural Variation

d)

Artificial Selection

18.

Darwin collected the preserved remains of ancient organisms, called what?

a)

Evolution

b)

Adaptation

c)

Fossils

d)

Fossil Record

19.

Species ____________ over time

a)

Change

b)

Reproduce

20.

Structures that have different mature forms in different organisms, but develop from the same embryonic tissue is what?

a)

Natural Variation

b)

Survival of the fittest

c)

Similarities in early development

d)

Homologous structures

21.

Which of the following ARE examples of evidence of evolution? (Choose all that apply)

a)

The fossil record

b)

Geographic distribution of living things

c)

Homologous body structures

d)

Similarities in early development

22.

Where some of the individuals are better suited for the environment.

a)

Natural variation

b)

Artificial selection

c)

Struggle for existence

d)

Survival of the fittest

23.

What are organs that serve no useful function in an organism called?

a)

Homologous structures

b)

Vestigial organs

c)

Organ disadvantage

d)

Descent organs

24.

Darwin observed many different species of finches while on the Galapagos Islands, what did he conclude about the finches?

a)

a. They evolved from a common ancestor on the main land

b)

b. They evolved from many different types of birds

c)

c. They all came from different countries

25.

Which of the following items is most likely preserved as a fossil?

a)

A flower

b)

Blood

c)

A tooth

26.

Most fossils are found in:

a)

igneous rock

b)

sedimentary rock

c)

metamorphic rock

27.

What does the fossil record tell scientists?

a)

Only dinosaurs have formed the fossils scientists have discovered

b)

There are very few organisms that have gone extinct

c)

Species have evolved over time

28.

Similar structures that are inherited from a common ancestor are called

a)

homozygous structures

b)

identical structures

c)

homologous structures

29.

An embryo can include the following.

a)

A plant in the early stages of development.

b)

A bacteria in the early stages of development.

c)

An animal in the early stages of development.

d)

A newly hatched egg.

30.

How does embryology support the Theory of Evolution?

a)

It shows that embryos who develop similarly share a common ancestor

b)

It shows that embryos who develop similarly are not related to one another

c)

It shows that organisms have the ability to evolve, or change, over time

31.
In the the third embryonic stage (bottom row), mammal embryos _____
a)
have more characteristics in common with each other than with reptiles or birds.
b)
are still hard to tell from reptiles and birds.
c)
have the same features as fish, reptiles, and birds.
d)
do not have tails.
32.

When vertebrates are in the early stages of development (an embryo) they all possess....

a)

gill slits and tails

b)

backbone and hands

c)

hands and feet

d)

tongue and mouth

33.

What is an embryo?

a)

An early stage of development of a multicellular organism.

b)

A sex cell that begins to grow and diversify.

c)

The genome of an organism before birth.

d)

The fluid sac surrounding a developing organism in its earliest stages.

34.
The most recent ancestral form or species from which two different species evolved is known as ________________________.
a)
a common ancestor.
b)
an embryonic stage.
c)
development.
d)
evolution.
35.
Common ancestry relates to evolution because
a)
evolution only happens when there are common ancestors.
b)
Common ancestors make evolution happen more quickly.
c)
evolution can never take place with common ancestors.
d)
the more two organisms have in common, the more recent is their common ancestor during their evolution.
36.
In stage one (top row) of these embryos, most of the embryos________
a)
look very similar.
b)
have very different features.
c)
show different stages of development.
d)
have only a tail if they are non-human.
37.

In stage 2 (middle row) fish embryos _________

a)

are very different from bird and mammal embryos.

b)

are still very similar to bird and mammal embryos.

c)

show arm and leg buds.

d)

are the only embryos with tails.

38.

According to the images shown, which species are most related?

a)

calf and rabbit

b)

fish and human

c)

pig and tortoise

d)

salamander and chick

39.

According to the images shown, which species are least related?

a)

rabbit and calf

b)

fish and salamander

c)

tortoise and chick

d)

human and fish.

40.

How is comparative embryology used as evidence for evolution?

a)

The similarities in development across organisms show how they are related.

b)

The development of embryos shows evolution occurring in organisms before birth.

c)

The similarities of embryos shows that all organisms used to once look like each other.

d)

Comparative embryology is not used as evidence for evolution.

41.

Human embryos have gill slits during development. What is the best explanation for this?

a)

Humans are technically considered fish in the earliest stages of development.

b)

This is how all embryos breathe before lungs develop.

c)

It is a common mutation found in most vertebrate species.

d)

It is an ancestral trait preserved in an organism's development.

42.

What can be concluded from the diagram shown?

a)

The more closely related the organisms are, the easier it is to tell them apart at an early embryonic stage.

b)

The more closely related the organisms are, the harder it is to tell them apart at an earlier stage.

c)

All organisms are equally related, and can be told apart from an early stage.

d)

None of the organisms are related, and can be told apart at all stages.

43.

What can be concluded from the diagram shown?

a)

The more closely related the organisms are, the easier it is to tell them apart at an early embryonic stage.

b)

The more closely related the organisms are, the harder it is to tell them apart at an earlier stage.

c)

All organisms are equally related, and can be told apart from an early stage.

d)

None of the organisms are related, and can be told apart at all stages.

44.

Which of the following do mammals, including humans, have during embryological development?

a)

Scales

b)

Gill Slits

c)

Fins

d)

Tail

45.
Structures that are inherited from a common ancestor are homologous.
a)
True
b)
False
46.
Humans, birds, whales, and lizards all have similar arm bones. What 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
47.
Bird wings and butterfly wings are an example of
a)
Homologous structure
b)
Analogous structure
c)
Mimicry
d)
Camoflague
48.
Individuals with favorable traits survive, reproduce, and pass their traits onto their offspring. This is called
a)
Mutation
b)
Adaptation
c)
Evolution
d)
Natural Selection
49.
Which of the following pieces of evolution evidence deals with comparing similar structures in various species?
a)
fossil record
b)
comparing embryology
c)
comparing biochemistry
d)
comparing anatomy
50.
Some organisms that share a common ancestor have features that have different functions, but similar structures.  These are known as
a)
vestigial structures
b)
analogous structures
c)
homologous structures
d)
fossil structures
51.
How would you describe this evolution?
a)
Homologous structure
b)
Analogous structure
c)
Structural adaption
d)
Functional adaption
52.
The structures shown are_________
a)
homologous
b)
heterologous
c)
analogous
d)
vestigial
53.
a)
Homologous
b)
Vesitigial
c)
Analogous
54.
a)
Homologous
b)
Vestigial
c)
Analogous
55.
a)
Homologous
b)
Vestigial
c)
Analogous
56.
An example of a homologous structure 
a)
human arm and bird wing
b)
rat appendix  and human appendix
c)
wing of butterfly and bird wing
57.
  Notice the similarities of a shark and dolphin.  If these similarities developed by  common life experiences and not by common ancestry, which of the following vocabulary words would best describe them?
a)
a.  Vestigial Organ
b)
  b.  Embryological Similarities
c)
c.  Homologous Structures
d)
d.  Analogous Structures
58.

A Variation that makes an organism more suited to its surroundings

a)

adaptation

b)

variation

c)

evolution

d)

embryology

59.

body parts of organisms that are similar in structure and position but different in function

a)

homologous structures

b)

comparative anatomy

c)

analogous structure

d)

vestigial structure

60.

body parts that perform a similar function but differ in structure

a)

homologous structures

b)

analogous structures

c)

vestigial structures

d)

comparative anatomy

61.

structures that have lost their original function through evolution

a)

homologous structure

b)

analogous structure

c)

comparative anatomy

d)

vestigial structure

62.
Define: comparative anatomy
a)
The study of the similarities and differences between the physical structures of two species to determine if an evolutionary relationship exists between them. 
b)
The study of the gradual process by which the present diversity of plant and animal life arose from the earliest and most primitive organisms, 
c)
A natural process that results in the survival and reproductive success of individuals or groups best adjusted to their environment and that leads to the perpetuation of genetic qualities best suited to that particular environment
63.
who is Charles darwin
a)
starbucks owner
b)
a bird
c)
a christian
d)
a naturalist
64.
what gave Charles Darwin the idea of evolution?
a)
google
b)
wikipedia
c)
mans attempt to destroy mankind
d)
finches in the Galapagos island
65.
Which statement best describes the process of evolution?
a)
Populations can survive in different locations on earth
b)
Environmental conditions limit the number of species on Earth
c)
Populations grow when resources are abundant
d)
The traits of a species can change over time
66.
Which of the following ideas is supported by Darwin’s observation of local variation among tortoises in the Galápagos Islands? 
a)
artificial selection
b)
adaptation
c)
acquired characteristics
d)
tendency towards perfection
67.
Which of the following ideas is supported by Darwin’s observation of local variation among tortoises in the Galápagos Islands? 
a)
artificial selection
b)
adaptation
c)
acquired characteristics
d)
tendency towards perfection
68.
Charles Darwin’s observation that finches of different species on the Galápagos Islands have many similar physical characteristics supports the hypothesis that these finches 
 
a)
have the ability to interbreed.
have the ability to interbreed.
b)
acquired traits through use and disuse.
c)
all eat the same type of food.
d)
descended from a common ancestor.
69.
Charles Darwin called the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its specific environment 
a)
diversity.
b)
evolution
c)
adaptation. 
d)
 fitness.
70.
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection explains each of the following EXCEPT how 
a)
species can become extinct.
b)
inherited traits are passed from parent to offspring
c)
species descend from common ancestors. 
d)
evolution takes place in the natural world.
71.
Which statement best describes the process of evolution?
a)
Populations can survive in different locations on earth
b)
Environmental conditions limit the number of species on Earth
c)
Populations grow when resources are abundant
d)
The traits of a species can change over time
72.
Charles Darwin’s observation that finches of different species on the Galápagos Islands have many similar physical characteristics supports the hypothesis that these finches 
 
a)
have the ability to interbreed.
have the ability to interbreed.
b)
acquired traits through use and disuse.
c)
all eat the same type of food.
d)
descended from a common ancestor.
73.

What was the name of Darwin's boat?

a)

Indefatiguable

b)

Bugle

c)

Sloop John B

d)

Beagle

74.

The Galapagos Islands are off the coast of ________________.

a)

North America

b)

South America

c)

Central America

d)

Antarctica

75.
Who created the theory of evolution?
a)
Charles Darwin
b)
Charles Derwin
c)
Charlie Darwin
d)
Chris Darwin
76.
Which of the following is a fossil?
a)
a plant that has recently died
b)
a group of organisms that can reproduce
c)
a structure or organ that no longer functions
d)
a trace of an organisms that existed in the past
77.

Why did Darwin join the voyage of the HMS Beagle?

a)

Because he was interested in trade routes.

b)

Because he needed the money.

c)

Because he wanted to expand on his research as a naturalist/ because a friend of his suggested he join the crew as a naturalist.

d)

Because he was developing new medicines.

78.

Where did Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle take him? (choose all that apply)

a)

South America

b)

Australia

c)

New Zealand

d)

Galapagos Islands

79.

What islands did Darwin do most of his research on?

a)

Hawaiian Islands

b)

Malta Islands

c)

Galapagos Islands

d)

Indonesia Archipelagos

80.

What did Darwin find on the island that was of particular importance when theorizing about the origin of life?

a)

He discovered fossils of extinct animals with strong similarities with living creatures (mastodon for example).

b)

He discovered new plant species that were alive when the dinosaurs were alive.

c)

He found a subspecies that changed the evolutionary tree.

d)

He realized that humans and chimps are closely related.

81.

What unique animals did Darwin find on the islands? (choose all that apply)

a)

Tortoises

b)

Iguanas

c)

Finches

d)

Frogs

82.

Where did Darwin record his findings from his travels?

a)

In the book the Voyage of the Beagle

b)

In the book Looking to South America

c)

In the book Travels on a Sea Fairing Vessel

d)

In the book South American Mapped

83.

After the voyage, what did Darwin spend most of his time doing?

a)

Working with Mendel on his research with inheritance

b)

Starting working as a Doctor

c)

He went back to school

d)

Writing about his findings

84.

What was the name of the book Darwin published?

a)

How it is we evolved.

b)

What is evolution?

c)

The Origin of Species.

d)

The Starting Point of All Life.

85.

What were Darwin's 4 major finding about evolution?

a)

Millions of species alive today arose from single original

life form branching through a process known as speciation

b)

Evolutionary change was gradual

c)

Evolution is process that moves towards complexity and perfection

d)

Evolution did occur

e)

The primary mechanism for evolution is natural selection

86.

Based on Darwin's findings, what determines an organism’s ability to survive?

a)

Its ability to have babies

b)

Its ability to adapt to the environment

c)

Its ability to move out of a bad environment

d)

Its ability to win competitions

87.
A cat’s leg, a dolphin’s flipper, and a bat’s wing contain similar bones. What does this suggest?
a)
These species developed at the same time.
b)
These structures perform the same function.
c)
These species share a common ancestor.
d)
The cat is the most advanced of these species.
88.
A group of birds become separated from its original population. Over a period of time, the new population of birds adapted to its new environment. If this new population returned to the environment it originated from, which of the following would most likely determine its ability to survive as a species?
a)
its beak size
b)
its ability to fly
c)
its common ancestry
d)
its ability to reproduce
89.
Variation happens as a result of the exchange of genetic information as it is passed from parent to offspring. Which of the following is true about inherited variation?
a)
Variation can influence separation.
b)
Variation can influence selective breeding.
c)
Variation can influence the resources that are available to an organism.
d)
Variation can influence whether organisms are more likely to survive to reproduce.
90.
There are three species of birds on an island. These three species are shown below. Bird A has a heavy bill for eating big seeds. Bird B has a sharply pointed bill for eating insects. Bird C has a sharp bill for eating insects and small seeds. If the insect populations suddenly disappeared one season, which bird or birds would probably be the least affected that season?
a)
A
b)
B
c)
C
d)
A and B
91.
The diagram below shows the layers of sedimentary rock exposed during an archaeological dig. These layers of rock have formed over hundreds of millions of years. Archaeologists discovered the fossil of a Pakicetus, a mammal that lived around 50 million years ago. They uncovered these remains from layer 2 in the diagram.

In what layer would you expect to find the remains of an Ambulocetus, which existed after the Pakicetus?
a)
1
b)
2
c)
3
d)
4
92.

When there is a difference in population based on genes, it is said to be a _______________.

a)

Mutation

b)

Speciation

c)

Extinction

d)

Genetic Variation

93.
measure of an organisms's ability to survive and produce offspring relative to other members of a population 
a)
Natural Selection
b)
Adaptation
c)
Fitness
d)
Variation
94.

How many months is a woman pregnant for?

a)

11

b)

12

c)

10

d)

9

95.

The umbilical cord grows from the mother's

a)

belly button

b)

uterus

c)

placenta

d)

amniotic sac

96.

Ideally the fetus turns itself feet first for delivery:

a)

True

b)

False

97.

True or False: A zygote has 23 chromosomes in total.

a)

True

b)

False

98.

Sexual reproduction is vital to the propagation of the Human race. Which of the following sequences represents the correct order of events in the formation of a human fetus?

a)

Zygote → Blastocyst → Embryo → Fertilization

b)

Fertilization → Zygote → Blastocyst → Embryo

c)

Blastocyst → Embryo → Differentiation → Zygote

d)

Fertilization → Growth → Differentiation → Zygote

99.
An embryo is the name of the developing baby up to the period of...
a)
Twelve weeks after conception
b)
Eight weeks after conception
c)
Twenty weeks after conception
d)
Fours weeks after conception
100.

______ implants itself into the lining of the uterus.

a)

blastual

b)

gastrula

c)

blastocyst

d)

morula

101.
What is embryology?
a)
         Adaptation.
b)
The study of fetus and embryo development, and fertilization.
c)
           Evolution.
d)
 The study of fossils.
102.
Why is embryology evidence important?
a)
It shows that we are people.
b)
We can figure out why things evolved.
c)
So that we know how things evolved.
d)
It helps us understand that we are related to other creatures.
103.

Which statement is true for the embryos of a salamander and a pig?

a)

both lack limb buds (beginning stages of arms)

b)

both lack gill slits

c)

both have a vertebrate

d)

both lack a tail

104.

Based on the embryo pictorial data the fish is closely related to the...

a)

salamander

b)

tortoise

c)

chick

d)

hog

e)

rabbit

105.

Based on the embryo pictorial data the tortoise is closely related to the ...

a)

fish

b)

salamander

c)

chick

d)

hog

e)

calf

106.

What is a paleontologist?

a)

Someone who studies ancient life

b)

Someone who studies tigers

c)

Someone who wants a dinosaur as a pet

d)

Someone who studies animals

107.

Why are paleontologists' jobs important?

a)

They put dinosaurs on display in museums

b)

They dig big holes

c)

They teach us about animals we have on Earth today

d)

We learn about how the Earth used to be and all about our planet

108.
A fossil is ____________.
a)
evidence of past life
b)
part of the fossil record
c)
found in sedimentary rock
d)
all of the above
109.

What did plants evolve from?

a)

Gymnosperms

b)

Vascular plants

c)

Aquatic green algae

d)

Seed plants

110.

What is the common ancestor between whales and elephants?

a)

Paraceratherium

b)

Megalania

c)

Uintatherium

d)

Megladon

111.

What is the ancestor to our modern day crocodile?

a)

Paraceratherium

b)

Uintatherium

c)

Megalania

d)

Megladon

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