CH 9: Evidence for Evolution
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Questions and Answers

Why is the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands explained by their volcanic origin and isolation?

  • Due to the presence of similar fossil species on the islands
  • Volcanic origin and isolation influence the evolution of endemic species (correct)
  • Because the islands have a high population density of organisms
  • As a result of continental drift separating the islands from the mainland
  • What is a cornerstone of evolutionary biology based on shared anatomical features from a common ancestor?

  • Genetic drift
  • Homologous structures (correct)
  • Mitochondrial DNA analysis
  • Species isolation
  • How do the forelimbs of humans, whales, bats, and birds demonstrate evolution?

  • As a result of convergent evolution in these species
  • By having similar underlying anatomy despite different functions (correct)
  • Through morphological differences reflecting distant ancestry
  • By serving identical functions in all four species
  • What does DNA analysis reveal about the relationship between closely related species?

    <p>A higher percentage of shared DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept describes the passing down of traits from ancestors with potential alterations over time?

    <p>Modification by Descent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does studying mitochondrial DNA help in understanding evolution?

    <p>It traces lineage and evolutionary history</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the fossil record, biogeography, homologous structures, and genetics collectively provide evidence for?

    <p>The interconnectedness of all living things</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do species with a recent common ancestor share a higher percentage of their DNA?

    <p>As a reflection of their closer genetic relationship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the evolutionary history of life on Earth include, according to the text?

    <p>$5(7 + 3)$ years from single-celled organisms to complex life forms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Evolution as a unifying theme in biology' demonstrates what about life?

    <p>'Dynamic nature' and interconnectedness of all living things</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the fossil record provide evidence for?

    <p>Historical development of life on Earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which piece of evidence for evolution acts as a chronological archive of life on Earth?

    <p>Fossil record</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time called?

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

    What do transitional fossils like Archaeopteryx demonstrate?

    <p>Gradual changes leading to the emergence of new species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of evidence provides unique insights into the evolutionary process by revealing traits inherited from predecessors alongside new characteristics?

    <p>Fossil record</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does descent with modification refer to in the context of evolution?

    <p>Newer organisms showing traits inherited from their predecessors alongside new characteristics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of evidence reveals a logical sequence of evolutionary steps, supporting the theory that life has evolved from simpler to more complex forms?

    <p>Fossil record</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does biogeography study in relation to evolution?

    <p>Distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept is illustrated by the presence of similar fossil species on now-separated continents?

    <p>Continental drift</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do DNA analysis results show a higher percentage of shared DNA between closely related species?

    <p>Recent common ancestry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the study of homologous structures aim to demonstrate in evolutionary biology?

    <p>Shared ancestry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the geographic distribution of organisms provide evidence for evolution?

    <p>Through biogeography</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What scientific advancement has provided profound insights into the relationships between different species?

    <p>Genetic research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do scientists study mitochondrial DNA in the context of evolution?

    <p>To trace lineage and evolutionary history</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the structural similarity of forelimbs in humans, whales, bats, and birds suggest?

    <p>Shared evolutionary past</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands can be explained by their origin and isolation?

    <p>Isolation and geographical history</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which field of study uses anatomical features to trace shared ancestry among different species?

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

    What concept in genetics supports the idea of a shared evolutionary past among species?

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

    What does the fossil record primarily provide evidence for?

    <p>The sequence of evolutionary steps from simpler to more complex forms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of evolution, what do transitional fossils like Archaeopteryx demonstrate?

    <p>Gradual changes that lead to the emergence of new species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do biogeographical patterns contribute to understanding evolution?

    <p>By showing the distribution of species and ecosystems over time and space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key insight gained from studying homologous structures in the context of evolution?

    <p>The existence of common ancestry and gradual changes over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do genetic information and DNA analysis contribute to understanding evolution?

    <p>By revealing relationships between closely related species and their ancestry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept does the study of fossils primarily support in evolutionary biology?

    <p>Gradual changes in lineages leading to the formation of new species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are homologous structures considered significant evidence for evolution?

    <p>They provide evidence for common ancestry and gradual changes over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'descent with modification' refer to in the context of evolution?

    <p>Gradual changes in lineages over generations with new characteristics emerging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the fossil record considered crucial evidence for evolution?

    <p>It acts as a chronological archive showing a logical sequence of evolutionary steps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key contribution made by biogeography to evolutionary studies?

    <p>Understanding the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the fossil record primarily act as according to the text?

    <p>A chronological archive of life on Earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are transitional fossils like Archaeopteryx significant in understanding evolution?

    <p>They highlight the gradual changes leading to new species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key role does biogeography play in evolutionary studies?

    <p>Studying the distribution of species over time and space.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept does homologous structures aim to demonstrate in evolutionary biology?

    <p>Shared ancestry among different species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do scientists consider genetic information important in understanding evolution?

    <p>To provide insights into how species have changed over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of evolution, why is the geographical distribution of organisms significant?

    <p>It offers evidence for shared ancestry among species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do transitional fossils like Tiktaalik represent?

    <p>The gradual transition from fish to amphibians.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the presence of homologous structures significant in understanding evolution?

    <p>They suggest a common ancestor among species with shared structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does DNA analysis contribute to understanding evolution?

    <p>By revealing genetic similarities supporting shared ancestry among species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the study of biogeography primarily focus on in relation to evolution?

    <p>The historical movement and distribution of species in geographic space over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the presence of similar fossil species on now-separated continents?

    <p>It suggests that these organisms once lived on a single landmass.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the structural similarity of forelimbs in humans, whales, bats, and birds suggest?

    <p>They indicate a recent common ancestor for these species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do scientists trace lineage and evolutionary history using mitochondrial DNA?

    <p>By analyzing mutations inherited from ancestors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do species that are closely related share a higher percentage of their DNA?

    <p>Because they have a recent common ancestor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the study of homologous structures reveal about different species?

    <p>Their shared evolutionary past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does DNA analysis act as a molecular record of evolution?

    <p>By revealing genetic similarities and differences among organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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