Evidence of Evolution Review (Adv)

What is the main focus of relative dating?

• Determining the size of fossils

• Estimating the age of fossils by rock layer comparison

• Finding the exact age of fossils

• Identifying the species of fossils

Answer explanation

The main focus of relative dating is to estimate the age of fossils by comparing the rock layers in which they are found. This method helps establish a timeline of events without providing exact ages.

What is relative dating?

• A method to find the exact age of a fossil

• Estimation of fossil age based on rock layer comparison

• A method to date volcanic rocks

• A method to date igneous rocks

Answer explanation

Relative dating is the estimation of a fossil's age by comparing the rock layers in which it is found. This method does not provide an exact age but helps establish a sequence of events in geological history.

What do vestigial structures indicate about evolution?

• They are unrelated to evolution

• They show evidence of evolution

• They contradict the theory of evolution

• They show no evidence of evolution

Answer explanation

Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or traits that were functional in ancestors. Their presence indicates evolutionary change, supporting the idea that species adapt over time, thus showing evidence of evolution.

What does the presence of analogous structures in different species suggest?

• Unique evolutionary paths

• Divergent evolution

• Convergent evolution

• Common ancestry

What is a fossil?

• A type of mineral

• A living organism

• Remains of organisms preserved in the earth

• A type of rock

Answer explanation

A fossil is defined as the remains of organisms preserved in the earth, which can include bones, shells, and imprints. This distinguishes it from minerals, living organisms, or types of rock.

What does the law of superposition help determine?

• The exact age of fossils

• The size of fossils

• The color of fossils

• The relative age of fossils

Answer explanation

The law of superposition states that in undisturbed layers of rock, older layers are at the bottom and younger layers are at the top. This helps determine the relative age of fossils found in those layers, not their exact age.

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?

• Wings of birds

• Flippers of whales

• Arms of humans

• Leg bones in whales

Answer explanation

Leg bones in whales are vestigial structures, as they are remnants of their land-dwelling ancestors. Unlike the functional wings of birds and flippers of whales, these bones no longer serve a purpose in locomotion.

According to the law of superposition, where are older fossils found?

• In volcanic rock

• In the deeper layers of sedimentary rock

• In igneous rock

• In the upper layers of sedimentary rock

Answer explanation

According to the law of superposition, in sedimentary rock layers, older fossils are found in the deeper layers, while younger fossils are located in the upper layers. Therefore, the correct answer is 'In the deeper layers of sedimentary rock'.

What do fossils provide evidence of?

• The age of the earth

• Common ancestry and evolution

• The size of ancient organisms

• The color of ancient organisms

Answer explanation

Fossils provide evidence of common ancestry and evolution by showing how species have changed over time and how different organisms are related through shared characteristics.

Which of the following is an example of homologous structures?

• Tailbones in humans

• Leg bones in snakes

• Wings of birds and flippers of whales

• Leg bones in whales

Answer explanation

Wings of birds and flippers of whales are homologous structures, as they share a common evolutionary origin despite serving different functions. This contrasts with the other options, which do not share such a lineage.