Exploring Evolution and Extinction Concepts

During a biology class, Isla was fascinated by how scientists study the development of embryos and their structures. What is this field of study called?

• Paleontology

• Embryology

• Biogeography

• Morphology

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

• Heart

• Appendix

• Brain

• Lungs

What is the primary focus of paleontology?

• Study of living organisms

• Study of fossils

• Study of chemical processes

• Study of genetic material

Which dating method uses the decay of radioactive isotopes to determine the age of a rock?

• Relative dating

• Absolute dating

• Biogeography

• Morphology

During a biology class, Benjamin asked his teacher about the process by which new species arise. What is this process called?

• Extinction

• Speciation

• Gradualism

• Coevolution

Which of the following best describes homologous structures?

• Structures with similar functions but different origins

• Structures with different functions but similar origins

• Structures that are no longer functional

• Structures that are identical in all species

What is the main difference between gradual extinction and mass extinction?

• Gradual extinction occurs over a short period, while mass extinction occurs over a long period.

• Gradual extinction affects a few species, while mass extinction affects many species.

• Gradual extinction is caused by human activity, while mass extinction is caused by natural events.

• Gradual extinction is a natural process, while mass extinction is an artificial process.

Which concept explains the slow and steady change in species over time?

• Punctuated equilibrium

• Gradualism

• Divergent evolution

• Convergent evolution

What is the term for the evolution of similar traits in unrelated species due to similar environmental pressures?

• Divergent evolution

• Convergent evolution

• Coevolution

• Speciation

Which of the following is an example of analogous structures?

• Wings of a bat and wings of a bird

• Wings of a butterfly and wings of a bird

• Forelimbs of a human and forelimbs of a cat

• Fins of a fish and fins of a whale