Evidence of Evolution Worksheet
Explore the various lines of evidence supporting the theory of evolution, including homologous structures, vestigial structures, embryonic development, and molecular biology.
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Evidence of Evolution
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Read each question carefully and provide your best answer based on your understanding of the evidence of evolution.
1. Which of the following provides evidence for evolution by showing similar bone structures in different species, suggesting a common ancestor?
Analogous structures
Vestigial structures
Homologous structures
Embryonic structures
2. The presence of gill slits and a tail in early human embryos suggests a common ancestry with:
Insects
Fish
Plants
Bacteria
1. Structures that are present in an organism but are reduced in size and have no apparent function are called structures.
2. The study of the geographical distribution of organisms, known as , provides evidence for evolution.
3. The more similar the sequences are between two species, the more closely related they are considered to be.
1. Observe the image above. Explain how homologous structures, such as the forelimbs of different mammals, provide evidence for evolution.
1. The fossil record provides a complete and unbroken chain of evolutionary history for all species.
True
False
2. Comparative embryology shows that different species have similar embryonic stages, suggesting shared ancestry.
True
False
Match each term with its definition.
1. Fossil Record
a. Structures with similar function but different origin
2. Analogous Structures
b. Remnants of once-functional structures
3. Vestigial Structures
c. Preserved remains of ancient organisms
1. A scientist discovers a new species of bird with wings that are very similar in structure to a bat's wing, but very different from an insect's wing. Discuss how this observation supports the idea of evolution, specifically using the terms 'homologous' and 'analogous' structures.