etG Evolution Evidence Practice 4.14.25

Label the bones in the front limbs of most species.

a

b

c

d

e

f

Ulna

carpals

phalanges

radius

humerus

metacarpals

How do the phalanges (finger bones) and metacarpals (hand bones) differ in these vertebrates?

• All vertebrates have the same number and shape of phalanges and metacarpals.

• The size and number of phalanges and metacarpals vary depending on the vertebrate's environment and function of the limb.

• Phalanges and metacarpals are only present in primates.

• Vertebrates with wings have no phalanges or metacarpals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

How do the carpals (wrist bones) differ in the bat, human and horse?

• The carpals in bats are elongated for wing support, in humans they allow for a wide range of hand movements, and in horses they are adapted for running.

• The carpals in bats are fused for strength, in humans they are flexible for dexterity, and in horses they are reduced for speed.

• The carpals in bats are lightweight for flight, in humans they are robust for tool use, and in horses they are heavy for stability.

• The carpals in bats are numerous for flexibility, in humans they are few for simplicity, and in horses they are absent.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

How are these forelimbs similar?

• They have the same bone structure.

• They perform the same function.

• They are the same size.

• They belong to the same species.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

How are homologous structures such as forelimbs evidence for common descent?

• They show similar structures in different species due to shared ancestry.

• They are identical in all species, indicating no evolutionary change.

• They are completely different in structure, showing no relation.

• They are only found in extinct species, proving evolution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Match the term with the correct definition.

• A group of individuals that can reproduce and have fertile offspring

• species

• The study of similarities and differences in body plans

• biogeography

• Used now as evidence of life in ancient times

• comparative morphology

• The study of embryos as a clue to evolutionary development

• embryology

• Study of the world distribution of plants and animals

• fossils

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NGSS.MS-LS4-3

For the examples below, decide if the situation is Vestigial, Homologous, or Analogous.

• Vestigial

• Shark fin made of cartilage and dolphin fin made of bone

• Homologous

• Bat wing and mouse arm both made of bone

• Vestigial

• Eyes on a blind cave fish

• Analogous

• Snake tongue and dog nose

• Homologous

• Wings on a flightless bird

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What two features do all four embryos share at this stage of development?

• Gills and tail

• Legs and arms

• Wings and beak

• Fur and claws

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What area of study is this called?

• Embryology

• Biogeography

• Anatomy

• Molecular biology

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Looking at the highlighted differences, which organism is the closest to the human sequence? Which organism is the most different?

• Chimp is the closest, and Gorilla is the most different.

• Frog is the closest, and Chimp is the most different.

• Chimp is the closest, and Frog is the most different.

• Gorilla is the closest, and Dog is the most different.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2