Exploring Anatomical Evidence of Evolution

The video tutorial explores anatomical evidence of evolution, focusing on homologous and vestigial structures. It explains how similar structures in different organisms, like the wing of a bird and the arm of a human, indicate a common evolutionary ancestor. Additionally, it discusses vestigial structures, such as the coccyx in humans and hind-leg bones in whales, as remnants of evolutionary history, highlighting their lack of current function but past significance.

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

• The eye of a human and the eye of a fly

• The tail of a monkey and the tail of a fish

• The wing of a bird and the leg of a cat

• The wing of a bird and the fin of a fish

What is the primary reason homologous structures are similar across different species?

• They have the same function in all species

• They are used for the same type of movement

• They evolved independently in each species

• They share a common evolutionary ancestor

What defines a vestigial structure?

• A structure that is identical in all species

• A structure that is fully developed

• A structure that has a new function

• A remnant of a structure that no longer serves a function

Which of the following is a vestigial structure in humans?

• The appendix

• The earlobe

• The coccyx

• The thumb

What do vestigial hind-leg bones in whales and pythons suggest about their evolutionary history?

• They evolved from winged ancestors

• They evolved from aquatic ancestors

• They evolved from ancestors with no legs

• They evolved from four-legged ancestors