Comparative Anatomy

What is the purpose of examining anatomical features in the study of evolution?

• To find the strongest organism

• To uncover relationships between ancient and current species

• To create new species

• To study animal behavior

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What are homologous structures?

• Body parts with similar functions but different origins

• Structures that are unique to each species

• Remnants of organs that were functional in ancestors

• body parts with similar structure but different functions

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What do homologous structures indicate?

• A common evolutionary ancestry

• Organisms independently evolved similar solutions

• Organisms have not evolved

• A recent mutation in the species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What are analogous structures?

• Remnants of organs that are no longer useful

• Organs that are essential for survival

• Organs with similar functions and origins

• Body parts that serve similar functions but have different origins and structures

What do analogous structures suggest?

• That all organisms have the same needs

• Organisms independently evolved similar solutions to adapt to environmental challenges

• That organisms have not evolved

• A common evolutionary ancestry

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What are vestigial structures?

• Organs essential for survival

• Body parts with similar functions and origins

• Remnants of organs or structures that were functional in ancestral species but are no longer useful

• Newly developed organs

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

What is an example of a homologous structure?

• The fins of fish

• The forelimbs of humans, bats, whales, and cats

• The human appendix

• The wings of birds and insects

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is an example of an analogous structure?

• The wings of birds and insects

• The forelimbs of mammals

• The human appendix

• The tailbone in humans

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is an example of a vestigial structure?

• The wings of a bird

• The fins of fish

• The human appendix

• The forelimbs of a cat

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Why do vestigial structures provide evidence of evolutionary history?

• They show organisms have not evolved

• They indicate organisms have evolved from ancestors with different needs and lifestyles

• They suggest a recent mutation

• They prove that all organisms have the same structure

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2