The Theory of Evolution

Structures that have no apparent function and appear to be residual parts from a past ancestor are called...

• vestigial structures

• functional structures

• adaptive traits

• evolutionary remnants

Darwin theorized that natural selection is...

• the mechanism of evolution

• a process of random chance

• a form of artificial selection

• a method of genetic engineering

The concept that all living organisms share a common ancestor is known as...

• common descent

• evolutionary theory

• natural selection

• genetic drift

The process by which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time is known as...

• convergent evolution

• parallel evolution

• divergent evolution

• adaptive radiation

Similar bone structures between species is known as...

• analogous structures

• homologous structures

• vestigial structures

• convergent structures

The study of the similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species is called...

• comparative anatomy

• evolutionary biology

• molecular genetics

• physiological ecology

The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time is called...

• ecology

• biogeography

• environmental science

• geology

The idea that species can evolve rapidly in short bursts followed by long periods of stability is known as...

• punctuated equilibrium

• gradualism

• natural selection

• adaptive radiation

Strong evidence for evolution comes from...

• the fossil record

• genetic mutations

• climate change

• natural selection

The evidence for evolution that comes from the study of embryonic development is known as...

• ontogeny

• phylogeny

• embryology

• morphology