Evolution Test Review

Front

What does the term 'fitness' refer to in evolutionary biology?

Back

A measure of how well you can survive in your environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What type of structure is found in cave fish that are blind and have remnants of an eye?

Back

Vestigial structure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

In a comparison of an unknown fern species to known species, how do researchers determine similarity?

Back

By analyzing genetic or morphological traits.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What is the process called where better adapted organisms survive to pass traits to offspring?

Back

Natural Selection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What common characteristic do all animals to the right of the hagfish have?

Back

Jaws.

Front

Define 'Natural Selection'.

Back

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A structure that has lost most or all of its original function through the course of evolution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in evolution?

Back

It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

Explain the concept of 'common descent'.

Back

The idea that all living organisms share a common ancestor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2