Exploring Evidence of Common Ancestry

Consider the fossil record of a particular species that shows gradual changes over millions of years. How does this evidence support the theory of common ancestry?

• It shows that species have always remained the same.

• It demonstrates that species have evolved over time from common ancestors.

• It suggests that species appeared suddenly without any evolutionary process.

• It indicates that species are unrelated to each other.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

True or False: Biogeography provides evidence for common ancestry by showing that similar species are found in similar environments across the world, even when separated by vast distances.

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Analyze the anatomical similarities between the forelimbs of a human, a cat, a whale, and a bat. What do these similarities suggest about their evolutionary history?

• They evolved independently and have no common ancestor.

• They share a common ancestor and have diverged over time.

• They are identical in function and structure.

• They have no evolutionary significance.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Evaluate the role of molecular homologies, such as DNA sequences, in providing evidence for common ancestry among species.

• Molecular homologies are irrelevant to evolutionary studies.

• They provide strong evidence for common ancestry by showing genetic similarities.

• They only show differences and do not support common ancestry.

• They are only useful for identifying species, not for studying evolution.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

True or False: Developmental homologies, such as similar embryonic stages, provide evidence for common ancestry among different species, even if the adult forms are vastly different.

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Consider a scenario where two species of birds are found on different continents but have similar wing structures. How can biogeography explain this phenomenon?

• The birds evolved independently without any common ancestry.

• The birds share a common ancestor and adapted to similar environments.

• The birds were artificially introduced to these continents.

• The birds have no evolutionary relationship.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Analyze the fossil record of horses, which shows a gradual increase in size and changes in foot structure over time. What does this suggest about their evolutionary history?

• Horses have always been the same size and structure.

• Horses evolved from smaller ancestors with different foot structures.

• Horses appeared suddenly in their current form.

• Horses have no evolutionary history.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

True or False: The presence of vestigial structures, such as the human appendix, provides evidence for common ancestry, indicating that these structures were functional in ancestral species.

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Evaluate how the distribution of marsupials in Australia provides evidence for common ancestry and evolutionary processes.

• Marsupials evolved independently on each continent.

• Marsupials share a common ancestor and diversified in isolation.

• Marsupials were introduced to Australia by humans.

• Marsupials have no evolutionary significance.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Consider the molecular similarities between humans and chimpanzees. How do these similarities support the theory of common ancestry?

• They indicate that humans and chimpanzees evolved independently.

• They suggest a recent common ancestor between the two species.

• They show that humans and chimpanzees are unrelated.

• They have no significance in evolutionary studies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2