Evolutionary Biology: Vestigial Structures and Genetic Homologies

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What is the primary driver of the development of analogous structures in different organisms?

Similar environmental pressures (correct)

Genetic mutations

Parallel evolution

Common ancestry

What is a characteristic of endemic species found on islands?

They are found nowhere else in the world (correct)

They are only found in freshwater environments

They are found only on the mainland

They are found on multiple continents

What is the process that has led to the distribution of similar species on different islands?

Convergent evolution

Genetic drift

Continental drift (correct)

Speciation

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

The development of fins in sharks and dolphins Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the independent evolution of similar features in different lineages?

Convergent evolution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the spread of MRSA?

Selection of resistant individuals present in bacteria populations Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of homologous structures?

Human and canine forelimbs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the geographic distribution of species?

Biogeography Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which different species evolve similar structures in response to similar environments?

Convergent evolution Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the fossil record in providing evidence for evolution?

It documents the pattern of evolution and shows that past organisms differed from present-day organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for structures that are similar in different species but have evolved independently?

Analogous structures Signup and view all the answers

What is reflected in an evolutionary tree?

Evolutionary relationships among groups of organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a branch point in an evolutionary tree?

The common ancestor of the lineages beginning there and to the right Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the remnants of features that served a function in an organism's ancestors?

Vestigial structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between crocodiles and birds?

They are not closely related, with crocodiles being more closely related to lizards Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the universal genetic code used by all forms of life?

Genetic code Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of hatch marks on an evolutionary tree?

They represent a homologous characteristic shared by all groups to the right Signup and view all the answers

Evolutionary Biology: Vestigial Structures and Genetic Homologies

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