MS LS4 6

Which best explains why species living in Australia are found nowhere else on Earth?

• Australia has an ecosystem different from any other area on Earth.

• Humans have genetically altered many Australian species in laboratories.

• Australian species were genetically altered after a comet hit the landmass.

• Australia separated from other continents and species there evolved independently.

Two organisms have homologous structures. Which can most likely be concluded about the two organisms?

• They are unrelated.

• They are the same organism.

• They share a common ancestor.

• They evolved in a similar environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

It is possible to hypothesize how a particular group of organisms evolved by arranging fossils in a chronological sequence. Where would the oldest fossils be found?

• the deepest rock layer

• the most shallow rock layer

• the rock layer with the greatest variety of fossils

• the rock layer containing fossils with the most complex structures

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which best helps scientists explore the relationship between modern organisms and ancestral species to create a system of biological classification?

• volcanic ash

• fossils

• DNA evidence

• igneous rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Throughout fossil records, many species appearing in lower layers of rock disappear in higher layers of rock. Which best explains their disappearance?

• The species became extinct.

• The species moved to another geographic location.

• The fossil remains were disrupted by an earthquake.

• Environmental conditions were not suitable for fossil formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A new type of plant was discovered on a newly-formed volcanic island. The island is hundreds of miles away from the mainland. Which hypothesis best explains how the plant arrived?

• It spontaneously generated.

• It was carried there by humans.

• It was carried there by wind or waves.

• It was already present in volcanic materials.

Which would provide evidence of lithospheric plate movement over time?

• fossils of tropical plants found near the equator

• fossils of tropical fish found in a warm climate area

• fossils of tropical plants found in a cold climate area

• fossils of tropical fish found at the bottom of an ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Based on the fossil record, which organisms were most likely to have existed first?

• plants

• insects

• jellyfish

• bacteria

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which best describes the similar function of wings in birds and butterflies?

• embryological structures

• homologous structures

• analogous structures

• vestigial structures

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Bird wings and insect wings are analogous structures. Which can most likely be concluded?

• Insects evolved from birds.

• Birds evolved from insects.

• Birds and insects have a close common ancestor.

• Birds and insects do not have a close common ancestor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2