Evidence for Evolution Quiz

Evidence for Evolution

• Homologous structures among species provide evidence that they shared a common ancestor and evolved from a recent ancestor.
• The presence of homologous structures in different species suggests that they share a common ancestor.

DNA and Evolution

• All species share at least some DNA in common, with more closely related species sharing more DNA.
• The more DNA two species share, the more closely related they are, indicating a common ancestor.

Phylogenetic Trees

• Phylogenetic trees illustrate the relationships between species, showing how they are related and branched from a common ancestor.
• The trees can be used to determine how closely related species are and when they diverged from each other.

Environmental Pressures and Adaptation

• Environmental changes can lead to the adaptation of species, such as the development of resistance to antibiotics.
• Species that are able to adapt to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Mechanisms of Evolution

• Random mutations and sexual reproduction are major sources of variation within species.
• Some mutations can result in useful traits, such as better camouflage, stronger immune systems, and increased survival rates.

Rates of Evolution

• The rate of evolution is influenced by the rate of reproduction, with species that reproduce quickly (e.g., insects and bacteria) evolving faster than those that reproduce slowly (e.g., elephants).

Adaptation and Natural Selection

• The beaks of finches on the Galapagos Islands have adapted to different food sources, resulting in distinct beak shapes and sizes.
• Species that are able to adapt to their environment through natural selection are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Beak Adaptations

• Different beak shapes and sizes are adapted to specific food sources, such as:
  • Large, strong beaks for eating seeds
  • Long, pointed beaks for eating insects
  • Short, stout beaks for eating seeds from cacti