Evolution, Natural Selection and Genetics

Which statement supports the theory of natural selection

• All organisms produce more offspring than can survive.
• Organisms live in harmony with one another despite limited resources.
• Organisms with favorable traits are more likely to die.
• Over time advantageous traits will be found in more of the population.

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What evidence supports the theory that continents were once a large landmass?

• The continents share a similar climate.
• Similar fossils have been found on different continents.
• Minerals like gold and copper are found worldwide.
• Coconut trees are found on coastlines.

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Review the diagram which shows the outline of two continents. The outlines of the continents seem to correspond in shape where indicated by the arrows. Which is the best inference that can be made from this?

• The continents have similar geography and climate.
• The continents have similar weather patterns.
• The continents were once joined together in a large land mass.
• Africa contains more fossils than South America.

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Which fact provides the best evidence for the biological theory of evolution?

• Most fossils are found in sedimentary rock.
• Most species of life on Earth have become extinct.
• Characteristics of simpler life forms can be found in more complex life forms.
• Only a small percentage of living things have been preserved in fossils.

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What will most likely happen if a species can no longer produce offspring?

• It will become extinct.
• It will evolve into another species.
• It will move into a new environment and adapt.
• It will begin to mutate into another organism.

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Which part of Darwin's theory of evolution may be used to describe the results of when lions prey on antelope?

• natural selection
• survival of the fittest
• adaptation to environment
• variation in species

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Comparative embryonic development is the study and comparison of embryos of different species. The diagram shows the comparative embryonic development of a fish, reptile, bird, and human. Assume that the four embryos are at similar stages in their development. How can the study of comparative embryonic development be useful to biologists?

• It provides evidence that chordates evolved from different ancestors.
  
• It provides evidence that vestigial structures provide evidence of common ancestry.
• It provides evidence that some species with similar embryos have DNA that may be 99% similar.
• It provides evidence that no two species share exact DNA even though their embryos look similar.

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Dinosaurs were prehistoric reptiles that dominated the Earth long ago. The fossil records of Archaeopteryx, a type of dinosaur, identified certain features.What can be inferred from this information?

• Birds have evolved from certain ancient reptiles.
• Dinosaurs have evolved from certain birds.
• Flesh-eating mammals have evolved from certain ancient reptiles.
• Dinosaurs have evolved from certain flesh-eating mammals.

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A student made a table showing different types of finches and their food sources. What can be inferred from this information?

• Genetic mutation leads to the evolution of new species.
• Organisms evolve based on their habitats.
• Geographical isolation leads to the evolution of new species.
• Organisms evolve based on their feeding habits.

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A vestigial organ is present in modern-day species, but its utility is lost. The presence of hip bones in modern whales is an example of a vestigial organ. Which statement can be concluded about the ancestors of whales?

• Ancestors of whales lived on land.
• Ancestors of whales lived in deep oceans.
• Ancestors of whales were fish-like organisms.
• Ancestors of whales were dependent on the sea for food.

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