Evolution Review 2

The scientific theory of evolution is supported by different types of evidence. The diagrams below show the skeletons of two different animal species. How does comparing the skeletons of these animals provide support for the scientific theory of evolution?

• It provides information about the organisms' habitats.
• It shows possible common ancestry between organisms.
• It provides information to determine the organisms' ages.
• It shows possible chromosomal similarities between organisms.

Similar patterns of embryological development in different but related organisms are responsible for the formation of

• homologous structures.
• analogous structures.
• Hox genes.
• intermediate fossil forms.

Molecular evidence in support of natural selection includes

• the nearly universal genetic code.
• the presence of vestigial structures.
• a tendency toward perfect, unchanging DNA in various species.
• the transmission of acquired characteristics by DNA.

Modern sea star larvae resemble some primitive vertebrate larvae. This similarity may suggest that primitive vertebrates

• share a common ancestor with sea stars.
• evolved from sea stars.
• belong to the same species as sea stars.
• none of these

The number and location of bones of many fossil vertebrates are similar to those in living vertebrates. This is evidence in support of which of the following concepts?

• Lamarck’s tendency towards perfection
• common descent
• analogous structures
• the inheritance of acquired traits

Biogeography is the study of

• where species and their ancestors live.
• how extinct species can be related to living species.
• how different species can interbreed.
• how animals that live in the same area are closely related.

Darwin’s concept of natural selection was NOT influenced by

• the work of Charles Lyell.
• knowledge about the structure of DNA.
• his collection of specimens.
• his trip on the H.M.S. Beagle.

The hypothesis that all species are descended from common ancestors was proposed by

• James Hutton.
• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
• Thomas Malthus.
• Charles Darwin.

The principle of common descent helps explain why

• well-adapted species have many offspring.
• conditions in an organism’s environment ensures the organism’s survival.
• birds and reptiles share a number of inherited characteristics.
• tigers are so different from cheetahs.

Which statement is part of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection?

• More offspring are produced than can possibly survive.
• The organisms that are the fittest are always largest and strongest.
• The number of offspring is not related to fitness.
• Acquired characteristics that are inherited are the cause of evolution.