Biological Evidence and the Fossil Record

Question 1

Siblings have similar traits because they inherit those traits from a common ancestor. How is this similar to some evidence for evolution?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Similarities can be seen among related organisms, which shows common ancestry.

Question 2

Dogs have a reduced nonfunctional digit on their paws known as a dewclaw. What is this an example of?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

vestigial structure

Question 3

Whales have what seem like remnants of a pelvis and femur, as shown here.What are these structures an example of?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

vestigial structures

Question 4

Biology shows us the fossil record and comparative anatomies. Chemistry shows us that organic molecules can come from inorganic matter. Geology shows us that organisms that used to live together are found on separate continents due to continental drift. Which fields of science provide evidence for evolution?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

biology, chemistry, and geology

Question 5

Australopithecus is an ape that lived in trees, but could walk on two feet. How might fossils from Australopithecus provide evidence for evolution?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Australopithecus is a transitional form between apes and humans.

Question 6

Which of these statements best sums up evolution?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

change in a population through genetic variation over time

Question 7

Which structures are similar in function, but do not indicate that the organisms are related?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

analogous structures

Question 8

What do scientists need to look at before developing an argument?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The validity of data, claims, hypotheses, and observations.

Question 9

Error

Revolt · Accepted Answer

jellyfish, reptiles, mammals

Question 10

A scientist makes the argument that she has found DNA evidence that shows that evolution does not exist. What would her evidence have to show for her to be correct?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Weak genetic similarities in closely related organisms and strong genetic similarities in distantly related organisms.

Biological Evidence and the Fossil Record Answers

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