Topic 1 Evolution: Evidence for Evolution

Question 1

• Fossils reveal prehistoric existence of extinct species, and are often found in sediment layers. Deepest fossils represent the oldest specimens. Large, rapid changes produce new species.

Answer 1

Paleontology

Question 2

• Actual remains, petrification, imprints, molds, and casts.

Answer 2

Fossil Types

Question 3

• The geography that describes the distribution of species. Unrelated species in different regions of the world look alike when found in a similar environment. The supercontinent Pangea slowly broke apart to 7 continents due to continental drift.

Answer 3

Biogeography

Question 4

• Similar stages of development among related species establishes evolutionary relationships. Gill slits and tails are found in fish, chickens, pigs, and human embryos.

Answer 4

Embryology

Question 5

• Ontogeny: development of organism
• Phylogeny: evolutionary development and diversification of species
• The phrase, “ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny” said that embryological stages represent our past evolutionary ancestors. This theory is considered defunct.

Answer 5

Note

Question 6

• This describes two kinds of structures that contribute to the identification of an evolutionary relationship

Answer 6

Comparative Anatomy

Question 7

1. Homologous Structures

2. Analogous Structures

Answer 7

Comparative Anatomy Types

Question 8

• Body parts that resemble one another between different species that descended from a common ancestor. E.g., bat forelimbs vs. bird forelimbs

Answer 8

1. Homologous Structures

Question 9

• Body parts that resemble one another between different species that evolved independently. They have similar structures as adaptations to similar environments. These structures are also called homoplasies. E.g., bat wings vs. bee wings

Answer 9

2. Analogous Structures

Question 10

• To distinguish between analogous and homologous structures, consider if they are in the same class first (e.g., both mammals?) If not, they’re likely analogous and not homologous.

Answer 10

Note

Question 11

• This field examines nucleotide and amino acid sequences of DNA and proteins from different species. More than 98% of nucleotide sequences in humans and chimpanzees are identical. Amino acids in the protein cytochrome c are often compared.

Answer 11

Molecular Biology

Question 12

• Organisms with a common ancestor mean they have common biochemical pathways.

Answer 12

Comparative Biochemistry