CR Biology A M5L3

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of comparative embryology?

Analyzing the genetic makeup of species

Investigating the physical environment of different species

Studying adult anatomical features of species

Examining the similarities and differences in embryos among species (correct)

Which statement accurately describes the fate of gill slits in vertebrates?

Gill slits evolve into fins in all species

Gill slits disappear in most vertebrates except for fish (correct)

All vertebrates retain gill slits through adulthood

Gill slits are replaced by lungs in all vertebrates

What do vestigial structures indicate about an organism's evolutionary history?

They are remnants of structures that were once functional in ancestral species. (correct)

They have always been essential for survival.

They only occur in species that are evolving rapidly.

They are evidence of direct adaptation to current environments.

Which structure is considered a vestigial structure in humans?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

What kind of evidence for evolution is provided by homologous structures?

Structures shared by related organisms inherited from a common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of analogous structures?

They share similar functions but have different evolutionary origins Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists obtain evidence for evolutionary relationships using DNA?

By comparing DNA sequences across different species Signup and view all the answers

What is comparative anatomy primarily concerned with?

Examining similarities and differences in species structures Signup and view all the answers

What type of structures do homologous structures represent?

Structures inherited from a common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of analogous structures?

Wings of bats and wings of birds Signup and view all the answers

Why do scientists compare the DNA of modern organisms?

To understand their evolutionary history Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Homologous structures are inherited, while analogous structures are not. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the theory of evolution in mammals' forelimbs?

The differing functions of human, bat, and whale limbs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about analogous structures is true?

They have similar functions but different evolutionary origins. Signup and view all the answers

What can the study of embryos tell scientists about evolution?

It provides evidence of common ancestry among species. Signup and view all the answers

Homologous structures are similar because they evolved to do the same job in unrelated organisms.

False Signup and view all the answers

Comparative anatomy provides evidence of evolution by examining the similarities and differences in the structures of different species.

True Signup and view all the answers

The wings of bats and birds are examples of homologous structures.

False Signup and view all the answers

Similar body parts may be classified as either homologies or analogies based on their evolutionary history.

True Signup and view all the answers

Scientists study the anatomy and DNA of living species today in order to better understand how they evolved.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evidence of Evolution

Gorillas and humans share remarkable similarities in hand anatomy, indicating a common evolutionary ancestry.
Modern scientists conduct studies comparable to Darwin's approach, examining living species to gather evidence of evolution.

Comparative Anatomy

Comparative anatomy examines structural similarities and differences across species.
Homologous structures are inherited from a common ancestor, demonstrating evolutionary connections despite different functions in descendants.
Commonality in mammal forelimb bone structure underlines their homologous nature.
Analogous structures arise independently in unrelated organisms due to similar environmental pressures or functions, such as the wings of bats and birds.

Comparative Embryology

Comparative embryology investigates similarities in the embryonic development of various species.
All vertebrate embryos share gill slits and tails, indicating common ancestry.
Many vertebrates lose these features by adulthood; for instance, humans develop a tail bone instead of a functional tail.

Vestigial Structures

Vestigial structures, such as the human tailbone and whale pelvis, are reduced remnants of organs that once served necessary functions in ancestors.
The human appendix is another vestigial structure, a remnant from ancestors with digestive needs that are no longer relevant.
The reduction of unused structures can decrease fitness, as they might consume resources without providing a benefit.

Summary of Evidence

Through anatomical comparisons, embryological studies, and DNA analysis, scientists delineate evolutionary relationships.
Homologous and analogous structures present key evidence for understanding evolutionary processes.
DNA sequence comparisons have emerged as some of the strongest evidence supporting evolutionary connections among species.

Evidence of Evolution

Gorillas and humans share remarkable similarities in hand anatomy, indicating a common evolutionary ancestry.
Modern scientists conduct studies comparable to Darwin's approach, examining living species to gather evidence of evolution.

Comparative Anatomy

Comparative anatomy examines structural similarities and differences across species.
Homologous structures are inherited from a common ancestor, demonstrating evolutionary connections despite different functions in descendants.
Commonality in mammal forelimb bone structure underlines their homologous nature.
Analogous structures arise independently in unrelated organisms due to similar environmental pressures or functions, such as the wings of bats and birds.

Comparative Embryology

Comparative embryology investigates similarities in the embryonic development of various species.
All vertebrate embryos share gill slits and tails, indicating common ancestry.
Many vertebrates lose these features by adulthood; for instance, humans develop a tail bone instead of a functional tail.

Vestigial Structures

Vestigial structures, such as the human tailbone and whale pelvis, are reduced remnants of organs that once served necessary functions in ancestors.
The human appendix is another vestigial structure, a remnant from ancestors with digestive needs that are no longer relevant.
The reduction of unused structures can decrease fitness, as they might consume resources without providing a benefit.

Summary of Evidence

Through anatomical comparisons, embryological studies, and DNA analysis, scientists delineate evolutionary relationships.
Homologous and analogous structures present key evidence for understanding evolutionary processes.
DNA sequence comparisons have emerged as some of the strongest evidence supporting evolutionary connections among species.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating connections between species through evidence of evolution, comparative anatomy, and embryology. This quiz delves into the similarities in hand anatomy of gorillas and humans, the significance of homologous and analogous structures, and shared embryonic traits among vertebrates. Test your understanding of these critical concepts in evolutionary biology!