Download Practice Evolution Questions The last common ancestor of squid

Practice Evolution Questions
1. The last common ancestor of squid and dogs did not have an eye> However, squid and dogs have
eyes. How can similar structures develop completely independently?
a. convergent evolution occurs when different species evolve in a similar way
b. divergent evolution cause squid and dogs to develop in different environments.
c. Adaptive radiation causes quick evolution of traits in related organisms
d. Both species will be competing for the same niche in the future
2. which of the following would most likely provide the best data for determining the phylogeny of three
closely related species?
a. analysis of embryonic development
b. analysis of morphological differences and similarities
c. comparison of individual life spans
d. comparison of nucleotide sequences in homologous
genes and mRNA
2. the early stage embryo of fish, birds, rabbits and humans all have two chambered hearts and tails.
This is evidence that
a. all organisms have the same evolutionary history
b. genes needed later in the development are not yet present in early stage embryos
c. not all genes are inherited from an organisms parents
d. these vertebrates descended from a much earlier common ancestor
3. If natural selection is the mechanism by which evolution occurs, which statement must be true?
A. organisms evolve faster than landforms change on earth
b. older species are, in general, more complex than newer species
c. within every species, more offspring are produced than can survive
d. all individual species have an equal probability of reproducing
4. Natural selection occurs because of competition between members of
a. different species that occupy the same geographical area
b. the same species that occupy the same geographical area
c. different species that occupy different geographical areas
d. the same species that occupy different geographical areas
5. evolution occurs as a result of combination of factors including
a. stable and unchanging environments
b. surplus and unlimited resources
c. genetic variability of offspring
d. beneficial acquired traits
6. one way that house cats differ from their wild ancestors is that housecats have longer intestines. This
change is mostly likely an adaptation to what condition ?
a. fewer feeding opportunities
b. a change in the typical diet
c. a more stable environment
d. increased handling by humans
7. evolutionary theories are supported by
a. fossil record and verbal history
b. ecosystem evaluation and embryology
c. genetic engineering and biological magnification d. embryological similarities and the fossil record
8. organisms may be considered successful by evolutionary biologists if they are able to
a.. survive to a very old age
b. pass acquired traits to their offspring
c. obtain new genes from other successful organisms
d. reproduce and pass their genes to the next
generation
9. Similarities in structure indicates that the red fox and the kit fox had a common ancestor. Over time, the
two groups adapted to different environments. The red fox to forests and the lighter colored kit fox to
deserts. These two types of foxes are an example of
a. punctuated equilibrium
b. convergent evolution
c. divergent evolution
d. codominant adaptation
10.