Evidence for Evolution Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What term describes structures that serve a similar function but do not share a common evolutionary origin?

  • Vestigial structures
  • Embryonic structures
  • Analogous structures (correct)
  • Homologous structures

Vestigial structures always serve a useful function in modern organisms.

False (B)

What is comparative embryology?

It is the examination of similarities and differences in embryo development before birth.

The human ____ is an example of a vestigial structure.

<p>appendix</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their definitions:

<p>Analogous structures = Similar function, different evolutionary origin Vestigial structures = Remnants with no current function Homologous structures = Similar evolutionary origin, different functions Comparative embryology = Study of embryo development similarities</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two species have more than 98% similarity in their DNA?

<p>Early human and chimpanzee (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Biochemical comparisons provide the weakest evidence supporting evolutionary theory.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of behavior in animals may indicate they share a common ancestor?

<p>Tool use</p> Signup and view all the answers

Organisms which share much of their ______ must be closely related.

<p>DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Homologous structures = Structures that derive from a common ancestor but may serve different functions Analogous structures = Structures that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestor Vestigial structures = Structures that remain from an evolutionary past but no longer serve their original purpose Comparative embryology = The study of developmental similarities between different organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which comparison is considered the best evidence for understanding evolutionary relationships?

<p>Biochemical comparisons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Comparative embryology refers to examining the behavior of organisms in their natural environment.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a rock sample contains equal amounts of Potassium-40 and Argon-40, how old is the rock sample?

<p>1.3 billion years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Homologous structures indicate that species are not related.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of evolution do homologous structures represent?

<p>Divergent evolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Analogous structures indicate that species occupy _______ environments and share similar functions.

<p>similar</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Whale pelvic bones (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Biochemical comparisons can provide insight into the evolutionary relationships between species.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

_______ provides evidence of how species are distributed across the globe.

<p>Biogeography</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes how two or more species evolve similar traits independently?

<p>Convergence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Embryo Comparisons

Comparing the early developmental stages of different species, like a lizard, tortoise, pig, and human, can help us understand their evolutionary relationships.

Behavior Comparisons

Comparing the behavior of different species, like tool use, can provide evidence for evolutionary relationships. Similar behaviors often indicate shared ancestry.

Biochemical Comparisons

Comparing the DNA sequences of different species can be a powerful method to determine how closely related they are.

Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project allowed scientists to compare DNA sequences from different species, providing strong evidence for evolutionary theory.

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DNA Similarity & Ancestry

Organisms that share a large amount of DNA in common are closely related and have split from a common ancestor recently in geological terms.

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Human-Chimpanzee DNA

The DNA of humans and chimpanzees is over 98% similar, indicating a very close evolutionary relationship.

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Comparing Traits

Comparing the traits of different species can help us understand their evolutionary history. Organisms that share many similar features likely share a recent common ancestor.

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Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring.

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Analogous Structures

Structures in different species that have similar functions but evolved independently, not from a shared ancestor. They arise from convergent evolution, where organisms adapt to similar environments.

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Vestigial Structures

Structures that have lost their original function over time and are reduced in size or complexity. They are remnants of ancestral structures.

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Comparative Embryology

The study of similarities and differences in the development of embryos of different species. It provides evidence of evolutionary relationships.

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Embryo

An unborn or unhatched offspring in the process of development.

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Evolution

The process of change in groups of organisms over time, often leading to new species.

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Homologous Structures

Features found in different species that have a similar underlying structure, despite serving different functions. They provide evidence of common ancestry.

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Paleontology

The study of the past using fossils.

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Fossils

The remains or traces of ancient organisms preserved in rock.

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Convergent Evolution

A type of evolution where similar structures evolve independently in different species due to similar environmental pressures.

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Divergent Evolution

A type of evolution where species diverge from a common ancestor, developing different features due to different environmental pressures.

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Radiometric Dating

The process of determining the age of a rock or fossil using radioactive isotopes.

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Radioactive Isotope

A radioactive isotope with a known half-life used to date fossils and rocks.

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Half-Life

The time it takes for half of a radioactive isotope to decay.

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Study Notes

Evidence for Evolution

  • Fossil Record: Fossils are remains or evidence of past life preserved in rock. Relative dating determines age based on fossil position in rock layers (older fossils are deeper). Absolute dating uses radioactive decay, with the half-life of known radioactive compounds remaining constant. Example: Potassium-40 decays to Argon-40 over 1.3 billion years.

  • Relative Dating: Age is deduced by fossil position in rock layers. Fossils found deeper are older. Fossils closer to the surface are younger.

  • Absolute Dating: Radioactive Dating is a technique that uses the known rate of decay of radioactive isotopes to determine the age of rocks or fossils. The half-life of radioactive isotopes remain constant. Example: Potassium-40 decays to Argon-40 over 1.3 billion years.

  • Isotopes: Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes decay and change over time.

  • Fossil Example: Horse Evolution shows a gradual change in fossil remains, illustrating evolution.

Comparison of Anatomy

  • Homologous Structures: Similar internal structures in different species indicating shared ancestry (divergent evolution - similar origins).
  • Analogous Structures: Similar external structures in different species with different origins, adapted to similar environments (convergent evolution).
  • Vestigial Structures: Structures that no longer serve a function but may have served a function in ancestors. Example: Human appendix, tailbone in humans.
  • Examples: Comparing the bone structure of a human arm, whale flipper, and bat wing reveals homologous structures

Comparative Embryology

  • Embryo: An unborn or unhatched offspring in the process of development. Comparing embryos reveals similarities in development, which indicates a shared evolutionary origin. Early embryo development of different vertebrate species shows strong similarities.

Behavioral Comparisons

  • Tool use and Parenting: Behaviors like use of tools and parenting contribute to evidence of shared ancestry

Biochemical Comparisons

  • Best evidence: Biochemical comparisons (DNA) provide the strongest evidence for evolutionary relationships, showing a greater percentage of similarities indicating closer evolutionary relationships.
  • DNA Sequences: Comparing DNA sequences reveal a strong evolutionary link between organisms.

Biogeographical Comparisons

  • Geographic Distribution of Species: Species with similar traits in similar geological regions likely share a common ancestor (endemic species).
  • Marsupials in Australia: Marsupials are primarily found in Australia. This suggests a common origin and isolation in that region.
  • Endemic Species: Species unique to a particular geographic area.

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Related Documents

Life Science Notes PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the evidence supporting evolution, including fossil records, relative and absolute dating techniques. Discover how isotopes and fossil examples contribute to our understanding of evolutionary history.

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