Anatomical Structure Evolution

The five species illustrated most likely have

similar limb structures because they all -

• share a common ancestor

• use their limbs for the same functions

• occupy the same level on the food pyramid

• adapted to the same environmental conditions

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which evidence of common ancestry is being studied in this visual?

• biogeography
• fossil record
• anatomical homology

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists compare the limbs of organisms to look for evidence of common ancestry. These limbs provide evidence of common ancestry because they -

• perform the same function
• are the same size
• have the same basic structure
• are parts of the same animal

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What number is the common ancestor of C and D

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

What is the common ancestor of Letters A, B, C, D, E?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

The diagram provided here is a phylogenetic tree. It shows how groups of organisms are related through a shared evolutionary history.

• The habitats in which the animals live

• Competition between organisms for resources

• Similarities and differences in body structures

• Observations of interactions in the wild

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Whales, which live in the water, have hips. These structures are important for carrying the weight of animals that walk on land. Finding this body part in animals that don’t walk on land is best explained how?

• Whales have evolved this structure because it might be useful in the future.

• Whales are able to interbreed with other animals that have hips.

• Whales have a diet that includes other animals that have this structure.

• Whales share a common ancestor with animals that walk on land.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The bones of the forelimbs (wing / arm) of three animals are shown in the picture. Compare the structure of each picture. What statement below makes the most sense based on your comparisons?

• Birds and bats are closely related to each other while humans are unrelated to both

• The common ancestor of birds and bats must have had wings and flown.

• Based on their anatomical structure, the three organisms could have shared a common ancestor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The diagram provided here is a phylogenetic tree. It shows how groups of organisms are related through a shared evolutionary history. The circles on the diagram show the shared characteristics that link the related groups of animals. Notice that two of the circles are labelled. Which of the circles should be labeled “body hair”?

• Node A

• Node B

• Node C

• Node D

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The study of the structure of animals or plants and their parts

• Common ancestry

• Fossil record

• Anatomy

• Evolutionary history

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2