Chapter 8. 8·18–8·22 The evidence for evolution is overwhelming.

Show What You Know - Self Quiz

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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

Instructions

Check your understanding of concepts from 8·18–8·22 The evidence for evolution is overwhelming by answering the following questions.

1.

1. Tiktaalik appears to:

be a descendant of the one branch of ancestral horses that survived until today.

be a “living fossil” since it resembles many of the earliest fish, yet populations thrive today.

be an extinct species of giant fish that was subject to strong selection for smaller body size.

be an extinct species of fish that was also able to fly, due to flaps of skin between its fins.

represent a transitional species, somewhere between fish and land animals.

Correct. (See section 8·18 The fossil record documents the process of natural selection.)

Incorrect. (See section 8·18 The fossil record documents the process of natural selection.)

2.

2. Which of the following is not a source of evidence demonstrating the occurrence of evolution?

comparative anatomy and embryology

the fossil record

molecular biology

biogeography

All of the above are sources of evidence demonstrating the occurrence of evolution.

Correct. (See section 8·18 The fossil record documents the process of natural selection.)

Incorrect. (See section 8·18 The fossil record documents the process of natural selection.)

3.

3. Estimates of evolutionary relatedness based on a “molecular clock” are supported by:

the fossil record.

observations of comparative anatomy.

the mutation rate of other genes.

Both A and B support the molecular clock estimates of evolutionary relatedness.

All of the above support the molecular clock estimates of evolutionary relatedness.

Correct. (See section 8·21 Molecular biology reveals that common genetic sequences link all life forms.)

Incorrect. (See section 8·21 Molecular biology reveals that common genetic sequences link all life forms.)

4.

4. Which of the following is an example of evolution by natural selection that has taken place over the last few decades in a manner that has allowed scientists to observe the evolutionary process?

Insect wings evolved by first functioning as thermoregulatory organs, and slowly becoming flight organs.

Honey-creepers on Hawaii have radiated into niches occupied by parrots and hummingbirds in other areas.

Many strains of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus have become resistant to penicillin.

Blood-sucking bats retain their molars even though they have a completely liquid diet.

All of the above.

Correct. (See section 8·22 Laboratory and field experiments enable us to watch evolution in progress.)

Incorrect. (See section 8·22 Laboratory and field experiments enable us to watch evolution in progress.)

5.

5. What can be concluded about comparing differences in molecular biology between different species?

Extremely different species are fundamentally unrelated in any way.

The longer two species have been evolving on their own, the fewer the genetic differences between them.

Birds are more closely related to humans than dogs are.

Genetic similarities demonstrate species relatedness.

Only DNA sequences can be used to compare relatedness between species.

Correct. (See section 8·20 Comparative anatomy and embryology reveal common evolutionary origins.)

Incorrect. (See section 8·20 Comparative anatomy and embryology reveal common evolutionary origins.)

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