Exploring Evolution and Fossil Evidence

Think about the fossil record. Which statement best supports the theory of natural selection?

• Fossils show a sudden appearance of complex life forms.

• Fossils demonstrate gradual changes in species over time.

• Fossils indicate that all species appeared simultaneously.

• Fossils show no change in species over time.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Given the anatomical structures of a modern bird and a fossilized dinosaur, what inference can be made about their evolutionary relationship?

• They are unrelated due to differences in size.

• They share a common ancestor due to similar bone structures.

• They evolved independently due to different habitats.

• They are the same species because they both have feathers.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Examine the embryological development patterns in the diagram. What conclusion can be drawn about their evolutionary relationships?

• They are unrelated because they develop in different environments.

• They may share a common ancestor due to similar early embryonic stages.

• They evolved independently because they have different adult forms.

• They are the same species because they all have gills at some stage.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

How does genetic variation within a population of beetles affect their survival in a changing environment?

• It decreases their chances of survival due to increased competition.

• It increases the probability of some individuals surviving and reproducing.

• It has no effect on their survival as all beetles are equally adapted.

• It ensures that all individuals will survive regardless of environmental changes.

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Think about the fossil record. Which event is MOST likely to have caused a mass extinction.

• A gradual increase in global temperatures.

• A sudden volcanic eruption leading to climate change.

• A slow shift in tectonic plates.

• A steady increase in sea levels over millions of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Compare the anatomical features of a modern whale and a fossilized land mammal. What does this suggest about their evolutionary history?

• Whales evolved from fish due to their aquatic nature.

• Whales and land mammals may share a common ancestor.

• Whales have always been aquatic and unrelated to land mammals.

• Whales evolved independently from all other mammals.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Evaluate the embryological development of a frog and a human. What does this reveal about their evolutionary relationship?

• They are unrelated because they develop in different environments.

• They may share a common ancestor due to similar embryonic stages.

• They evolved independently because they have different adult forms.

• They are the same species because they both have tails at some stage.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

How does genetic variation in a population of rabbits affect their ability to adapt to a new predator?

• It decreases their chances of survival due to increased competition.

• It increases the probability of some individuals surviving and reproducing.

• It has no effect on their survival as all rabbits are equally adapted.

• It ensures that all individuals will survive regardless of the predator.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Think about the fossil record to identify a pattern that supports the theory of evolution.

• Fossils show no change in species over time.

• Fossils demonstrate a gradual change in species over time.

• Fossils indicate that all species appeared simultaneously.

• Fossils show a sudden appearance of complex life forms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Analyze the anatomical similarities between a modern elephant and a fossilized mammoth. What can be inferred about their evolutionary relationship?

• They are unrelated due to differences in size.

• They may share a common ancestor due to similar bone structures.

• They evolved independently due to different habitats.

• They are the same species because they both have tusks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2