LS 4.2

Over a period of years, the average rainfall in an area decreases, causing environmental changes. Which of the following populations would be most likely to survive these environmental changes?

• A population with the least amount of genetic variation

• A population with the greatest amount of genetic variation

• A population with the smallest population size

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which species is the least closely related to Species D?

• Species A

• Species F

• Species C

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Suppose a certain species of speckled moth lives in a forest of white trees. Some of the moths are white in color, and some are black. Assume there is a new predator of the moth in the area. What do you expect to happen to the populations of the white and the black moths over time?

• The white moth population will increase and the black moth population will decrease.

• The black moth population will increase and the white moth population will decrease.

• Both populations will increase over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

This sea anemone and this ctenophore both have tentacles, which are body structures that help them catch food. However, sea anemone tentacles are short and can sting, while ctenophore tentacles are long for grabbing and cannot sting. What most likely explains why both species have tentacles and why the tentacles are different?

• This sea anemone and ctenophore are different species, so they do not share an ancestor population. These species had separate ancestor populations, and each evolved tentacles that help it survive in its environment

• Sea anemone and ctenophore both inherited tentacles from a shared ancestor population, but this population separated into different environments. In each environment, different types of tentacles evolved, which helped the populations survive.

• All species have their own specific body structures, so it is a coincidence that the sea anemone and ctenophore happen to have different types of tentacles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

This red-eared slider, this greater flamingo, and this siamang have similarities and differences in their body structures. What does the information about these structures tell you about the ancestors of these species?

• All three species share an ancestor population, but the red-eared slider and the greater flamingo share a more recent ancestor population. This is why they share the egg-laying structure.

• It is a coincidence that these species have some of the same body structures. There is no common ancestor.

• The red-eared slider and the greater flamingo share an ancestor population, but they must not share an ancestor with the siamang.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

This echidna, this natterjack toad, and this blue tang have similarities and differences in their body structures. What does the information about these structures tell you about the ancestors of these species?

• None share an ancestor population because different species cannot share an ancestor population. It is a coincidence that these species have some of the same body structures.

• All three species share an ancestor population, but echidnas and natterjack toads share a more recent ancestor population. This is why they share the neck-bone structure.

• Echidnas and natterjack toads share an ancestor population, but they must not share an ancestor with the blue tang because blue tangs have no neck bones.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which organisms might lead you to believe that this model is incorrect?

• A and G

• B and C

• F and D

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

In addition to anatomical evidence, how does genetic evidence support the claim that all life on Earth came from a common ancestor?

• Similar bone structure in mammals provides evidence of common ancestry.

• DNA reveals how species are related and shows their shared genetic code.

• Similar embryonic development in fish, pigs, and turtles reveals common ancestry.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

What has the study of fossils allowed scientists to do?

• study present ocean temperatures at different depths

• describe past environments and the history of life

• predict which organisms will become extinct in the future

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Darwin concluded that extant species on the Galápagos Islands...?

• had adapted their behavior to a cold arctic environment.

• had remained the same with no variations in phenotypes.

• had changed their anatomical structure over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2