Evidences of Evolution: TEKS 9A & 9B

Types of Homologies That Support Common Ancestry Match the type of homology with it's correct example. Anatomical Similar limb structures in mammals Molecular Similar DNA sequences or amino acid sequences in different species Developmental Similar embryonic structures in vertebrates Which of the following provides the strongest molecular evidence for common ancestry among species? Similar bone structures in the limbs of vertebrates Similar ecological roles in different environments The presence of vestigial structures Similar DNA sequences in different species Type in the answer to the statement below. The study of the geographic distribution of organisms, known as biogeography, provides evidence for evolution by showing how species with common ancestors have adapted to different environments. Which type of homology is best demonstrated by the similarity between a whale’s flipper and a bat’s wing? Anatomical Molecular Developmental Functional Which of the following provide evidence for common ancestry? (Select all that apply.) Fossilized transitional forms between species The geographic distribution of species with shared ancestry The independent evolution of wings in bats and insects The presence of similar embryonic structures across vertebrates Patterns of Evolutionary Change in the Fossil Record Match each pattern of evolutionary change with its correct description: Gradualism Small changes accumulate over time Punctuated Equilibrium Rapid change followed by long periods of stasis (stability) Stasis A species remains unchanged for a long time What type of evolutionary pattern is observed in the example fossil record below? Stasis Gradualism Punctuated equilibrium Abrupt appearance What type of evolutionary pattern is observed in the example fossil record below? Gradualism Analogous Biogeography Punctuated equilibrium The graph and images below show a gradual change in wing coloration in a moth species over many generations. Based on this pattern, which type of evolutionary change is being demonstrated? Punctuated equilibrium Abrupt appearance Gradualism Stasis The graph and images below show that a moth species remained unchanged for thousands of years, then underwent a rapid shift in coloration over a short period due to environmental changes. This pattern best supports which explanation of evolutionary change? Gradualism Punctuated equilibrium Stasis Convergent evolution Some species appear suddenly in the fossil record without clear transitional forms leading up to them. What is a possible scientific explanation for this abrupt appearance? Evolution only happens in short bursts with no intermediate stages Transitional fossils may not have been preserved due to incomplete fossilization New species appear instantly without any evolutionary process Scientists have discovered all possible fossil evidence