Evidence for Evolution I: Comparative Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of comparative anatomy in relation to evolution?

Comparing DNA sequences of different organisms
Investigating the ecosystem dynamics of different species
Analyzing structural similarities of organisms (correct)
Studying the behavior of organisms in their natural habitats

What is the importance of homologous structures in evolutionary biology?

They show an evolutionary relationship and a common ancestor (correct)
They indicate unrelated organisms with similar features
They suggest convergent evolution in distantly related species
They prove that all species have unique anatomical features

Why are the forelimbs of humans, whales, cats, and bats considered homologous structures?

They perform the same function in all species
They share a similar structure but different functions (correct)
They have the same external features in all species
They evolved from different ancestors

What does the presence of a pentadactyl limb (a limb with five digits) in various species suggest?

A common ancestor shared by all organisms with this limb (B) Signup and view all the answers

In evolutionary terms, why do organisms with similar anatomical features like homologous structures suggest a common ancestor?

Because their anatomical similarities indicate shared ancestry (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between analogous structures and homologous structures?

Analogous structures have the same function but different anatomy, while homologous structures have the same anatomy but different functions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of studying comparative embryology?

It helps understand the evolutionary relationships between species based on similarities in embryonic development. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two categories of fossils mentioned in the text?

Remains of organisms and trace fossils (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind stratigraphy?

Older strata and fossils are found at deeper layers, while more recent ones are nearer the surface. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between radiocarbon dating and potassium-argon dating?

Radiocarbon dating measures the decay of carbon-14 into nitrogen-14, while potassium-argon dating measures the decay of potassium-40 into argon-40. (D) Signup and view all the answers