Horse Evolution

Which best describes the size of the early horse?

• Tall, wide with a weight between 900 and 2000 pounds and muscular

• Medium size, similar to a dog.

• Short, thin with an average weight of 20 pounds

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which best describes the size of the modern horse?

• Tall, wide with an average weight between 900 and 2000 pounds and muscular

• Medium size, similar to a dog

• Short, thin with an average weight of 20 pounds

Which best describes the size and position of the eyes of the early horse?

• Eyes were larger and positioned toward the side of the skull

• Eyes were smaller and positioned toward the center of the skull

Which best describes the size and position of the eyes of the modern horse?

• Eyes were larger and positioned toward the side of the skull

• Eyes were smaller and positioned toward the center of the skull

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists theorize that the ancient horse on the left is related to the modern horse on the right. The scientists theorize that the horse has gone through many changes over time. How did the scientists conclude that the animal changed over time?

• by examining fossil records

• by learning about natural selection

• by studying deposition of sediments

• by observing different types of rock formations

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is a characteristic of the earliest known horse, Eohippus?

• A) It had four toes on its front feet.

• B) It had a single hoof on each foot.

• C) It was the size of a modern horse.

• D) It had a long mane like modern horses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is the primary reason for the evolutionary change in horse teeth over millions of years?

• A) Change in climate.

• B) Change in diet from soft leaves to tough grasses.

• C) Change in habitat from forests to deserts.

• D) Change in size of predators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following best describes the habitat of the early horse, Mesohippus?

• A) Dense forests.

• B) Open grasslands.

• C) Mountainous regions.

• D) Coastal areas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How did the limb structure of horses change as they evolved from Eohippus to modern horses?

• A) Limbs became shorter and more robust.

• B) Limbs became longer and more adapted for running.

• C) Limbs became more flexible for climbing.

• D) Limbs became shorter and adapted for digging.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which scientific method is most commonly used to study horse evolution?

• A) Radiocarbon dating.

• B) Comparative anatomy.

• C) Genetic engineering.

• D) Chemical analysis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2