Earth History & Evolution Practice Quiz

In a sequence of rock layers, how can you tell which layer is older than the other?

• The older rock layers can be found below the younger layers.

• The younger rock layers can be found below the older layers.

• The older rock layers are closest to the surface.

• The younger rock layers are deeper down.

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How can finding marine (ocean) fossils at the top of mountains be used as evidence that evolution has occurred?

• Shows that this environment has stayed the same over time

• Shows that the mountain will become an ocean

• Shows that fish were able to swim to the top of the mountain

• Shows that an ocean once covered the mountain

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How could scientists use the fossil record to show how plants have changed over time?

• Scientists can compare fossils of plants from the same rock layer to see how they have changed.

• Scientists cannot use the fossil record, because plants cannot become fossils.

• Scientists can compare fossils of many plants from many different time periods to see how they have changed.

• Scientists can examine plant fossils to determine what kind of animals ate them.

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Structures derived from a common ancestor or same evolutionary or developmental origin

• homologous structures
• homosapien
• analogous structures
• atoms

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What adaptation helped the peppered moths survive?

• Camouflage

• Hibernation

• Speed

• Stealth

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What evidence supports the theory that continents were once a large landmass?

• The continents share a similar climate.
• Similar fossils have been found on different continents.
• Minerals like gold and copper are found worldwide.
• Coconut trees are found on coastlines.

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Review the diagram which shows the outline of two continents. The outlines of the continents seem to correspond in shape where indicated by the arrows. Which is the best inference that can be made from this?

• The continents have similar geography and climate.
• The continents have similar weather patterns.
• The continents were once joined together in a large land mass.
• Africa contains more fossils than South America.

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A student made a table showing different types of finches and their food sources. What can be inferred from this information?

• Genetic mutation leads to the evolution of new species.
• Organisms evolve based on their habitats.
• Geographical isolation leads to the evolution of new species.
• Organisms evolve based on their feeding habits.

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A vestigial organ is present in modern-day species, but its utility is lost. The presence of hip bones in modern whales is an example of a vestigial organ. Which statement can be concluded about the ancestors of whales?

• Ancestors of whales lived on land.
• Ancestors of whales lived in deep oceans.
• Ancestors of whales were fish-like organisms.
• Ancestors of whales were dependent on the sea for food.

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Which term best describes a specially developed characteristic that enables an organism to live in a specific environment?

• adaptations
• natural selection
• survival of the fittest
• variations

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