Vocab
Comparative Anatomy
Embryology
Classification
The Fossil Record
100
This is the change in a population's heritable characteristics over time.
Evolution
100
Are human arms and frog forelimbs homologous or analogous structures?
Homologous structures
100
Name one of the three structures all vertebrate embryos have in early development.
Gill slits / Tails / Eye spots
100
This is the broadest level of classification. Hint: There are three groups in this level.
Domains
The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
100
Which rock layer is the youngest?
Layer D
200
These body parts are similar in structure but different in function.
Homologous structures
200
Are moth wings and bat wings homologous or analogous structures?
Analogous structures
200
True or False: The presence of similar embryonic structures suggests common ancestry between species.
TRUE!
Similar embryonic structures suggest that different species inherited the same early developmental features from a common ancestor.
200
True or False: As you move from domain to species, groups become more specific.
TRUE!
As you move from domain to species, each level includes fewer organisms that share more specific characteristics.
200
Study the fossil layers shown in the image. How does the complexity of the organisms change over time?
Life has evolved to become more complex over time (simpler organisms lived before more complex organisms)
300
These body parts are similar in function but different in structure.
Analogous structures
300
True or False: Homologous structures are evidence of common ancestry between species.
TRUE!
When different species have similar internal structures, it suggests they inherited those features from a shared ancestor.
300
Why do scientists study embryology, not just adult organisms, when looking for evidence of common ancestry?
Comparative embryology can reveal similarities between organisms that are not visible in the adults.
300
Which Domain does the polar bear belong to?
Domain: Eukarya
300
A fossil that has traits of both ancestral and modern organisms (like the Archaeopteryx) is called a:
Transitional form
400
What is a vestigial structure?
A structure that no longer serves its original function.
400
True or False: Analogous structures are evidence of common ancestry between species.
FALSE!
They perform the same function but have different underlying structures. Different structures ≠ common ancestry
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400
This structure appears in all vertebrate embryos, but only fish and amphibians keep it as adults.
Gill slits
400
Which Order does the polar bear belong to?
Order: Carnivora
400
Provide one reason why there are gaps in the fossil record.
The conditions for fossilization are very rare.
Some organisms are soft-bodied and do not have hard parts to form fossils.
Geological activity has destroyed fossils.
It is unlikely that we have found all existing fossils.
500
The three highest levels of classification are called:
Domains
500
A whale’s small pelvic bones or a snake's "hidden" leg bones are evidence of this type of structure.
Vestigial structure
500
When different vertebrate embryos share similar early structures, what can scientists infer about their evolutionary history?
They evolved from a common ancestor
500
If two organisms are classified in the same genus, what can scientists infer about their relationship?
They are closely related and share a recent common ancestor
500
How does the fossil record provide evidence of evolution?
1. Fossils show us evidence of evolution through the gradual change of physical structures over time.
2. Transitional forms show organisms with traits of both ancient and modern groups, revealing how species change gradually over time.