Evidence of Evolution

What are homologous structures?

• Structures in different species that share a common ancestry, such as the whale flipper and bat wing.

• Structures that perform the same function in different species but do not share a common ancestry, like the wings of birds and insects.

• Structures that are similar in appearance but serve different functions, such as the human arm and the octopus tentacle.

• Structures that are formed through convergent evolution, resulting in similar traits in unrelated species.

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

• It allows for increased competition among individuals.

• It is crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments.

• It leads to a decrease in population size.

• It has no significant impact on the population's survival.

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

• Mutations have no effect on evolution.

• Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can lead to evolutionary changes.

• Mutations only occur in response to environmental pressures.

• Mutations are always harmful to a species.

Define evolution.

• The process by which organisms develop new traits in response to environmental changes.

• The change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

• The method by which species become extinct over time.

• The study of how living organisms interact with their environment.

What is a vestigial structure?

• A body part that has a crucial function in an organism.

• A body part that does not seem to have a function in an organism, like the human appendix.

• A body part that is essential for survival.

• A body part that is used for reproduction.

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

• Homologous structures serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestor, while analogous structures share a common ancestry.

• Homologous structures share a common ancestry, while analogous structures serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestor.

• Homologous structures are found in different species, while analogous structures are found in the same species.

• Homologous structures are always larger than analogous structures.

True or False: A variation is a difference that exists naturally among members of a population or species.

• True

• False

• Sometimes

• Rarely

What is a common ancestor?

• A species that has no descendants.

• An ancestral species from which two or more species have evolved.

• A species that is currently living and reproducing.

• A type of fossil that shows evolutionary traits.

What is natural selection?

• The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

• A method of breeding plants and animals for desired traits.

• The theory that all species evolve from a common ancestor over time.

• A technique used in genetic engineering to modify organisms.

What are fossils?

• Remains or impressions of ancient organisms preserved in rock, providing evidence of evolution.

• Ancient rocks that contain minerals and metals.

• The remains of modern animals found in ice.

• Impressions of plants that have no relation to ancient life.