1.
Name the order of the evolutionary eras from earliest to latest.
Correct Answer
B. Precambrian – Paleozoic – Mesozoic – Cenozoic
Explanation
The correct answer is Precambrian – Paleozoic – Mesozoic – Cenozoic. This order represents the chronological sequence of the four main geological eras in Earth's history. The Precambrian era is the oldest and encompasses approximately 88% of Earth's history, followed by the Paleozoic era which saw the emergence of complex life forms. The Mesozoic era is known as the age of dinosaurs, and the Cenozoic era is the current era, characterized by the rise of mammals and the development of human civilization.
2.
What was the longest evolutionary era?
Correct Answer
D. Precambrian
Explanation
The Precambrian era is considered the longest evolutionary era because it spans a vast period of time from the formation of the Earth, approximately 4.6 billion years ago, to the beginning of the Cambrian period, about 541 million years ago. This era is characterized by the development of the first life forms, including bacteria and algae, as well as the emergence of complex multicellular organisms. The Precambrian era is divided into three eons: the Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic, each marked by significant geological and biological events that shaped the Earth's history.
3.
Why would there be no fossils found from before vertebrate evolution?
Correct Answer
C. Soft-bodied organisms decay easier, no hard parts to fossilize.
Explanation
Soft-bodied organisms decay easier, no hard parts to fossilize. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past. In order for an organism to become a fossil, it needs to have hard parts, such as bones, shells, or teeth, that can be preserved over time. Soft-bodied organisms, on the other hand, do not have these hard parts and are more likely to decay and decompose before they can be fossilized. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that there would be no fossils found from before vertebrate evolution because the early organisms were mostly soft-bodied and did not have the necessary hard parts to become fossils.
4.
What is the oldest layer of rocks in the sedimentary rocks?
Correct Answer
C. The bottom layer
Explanation
The oldest layer of rocks in sedimentary rocks is typically found at the bottom. This is because sedimentary rocks are formed over time as layers of sediment accumulate and harden. The bottom layer is the first layer to form and therefore is the oldest.
5.
What two animals that are mentioned in the book have homologous bone structures to humans?
Correct Answer
A. Bats and whales
Explanation
Bats and whales are mentioned in the book as animals that have homologous bone structures to humans. Homologous structures are similar body parts in different species that have a common evolutionary origin. In this case, bats and whales have similar bone structures to humans, indicating a shared ancestry and evolutionary relationship. This suggests that these animals may have evolved from a common ancestor and have adapted similar bone structures for similar functions.
6.
Prehistoric plant or animal remains which have been preserved in the Earth's crust
Correct Answer
fossil
fossils
Explanation
Fossils are the remains of prehistoric plants or animals that have been preserved in the Earth's crust. These remains can include bones, shells, teeth, and even imprints of plants or animals. Fossils provide valuable evidence of past life on Earth and help scientists understand the history of our planet and the evolution of different species. By studying fossils, scientists can learn about extinct species, ancient ecosystems, and the changes that have occurred over millions of years. Fossils are important in understanding the Earth's geological and biological history.
7.
Period of time generally marked by a distinctive event or characteristic
Correct Answer
era
eras
Explanation
An era is a period of time that is typically defined by a significant event or characteristic. It is a distinct and notable time frame that stands out from others. The plural form of era is eras, indicating multiple distinct periods of time.
8.
Who discovered a theory for evolution first?
Correct Answer
A. Darwin
Explanation
Charles Darwin is credited with discovering the theory of evolution. His book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859 presented the concept of natural selection as the driving force behind evolution. This theory revolutionized the field of biology and remains a fundamental principle in the study of life on Earth. Jean Lamarck also proposed a theory of evolution, known as Lamarckism, but it was Darwin's work that gained widespread acceptance and recognition. Sackajouia and Dr. Zoidberg are not relevant to the discovery of the theory of evolution.
9.
Most fossils are found in what type of rock?
Correct Answer
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Rock
Explanation
Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks are formed from layers of sediment that accumulate over time, such as sand, mud, and organic matter. Fossils are preserved in these rocks because the layers of sediment can trap and protect the remains of plants and animals. Sedimentary rocks also often form in environments like rivers, lakes, and oceans, where the conditions are more favorable for the preservation of fossils. Therefore, the correct answer is Sedimentary.
10.
Insects may be preserved in the hardened saps of trees that are called
Correct Answer
amber
ambers
Explanation
Amber is the correct answer because it refers to the hardened saps of trees that can preserve insects. It is a fossilized tree resin that often contains trapped insects or other small organisms. The word "ambers" is not a correct term for this as it is not commonly used to refer to the preserved insects in tree resin.
11.
In sedimentary rock, which layer would contain the youngest fossils?
Correct Answer
B. The top layer
Explanation
The top layer of sedimentary rock would contain the youngest fossils. This is because sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and layering of sediments over time. The oldest sediments are found at the bottom, while the youngest are found at the top. Therefore, the fossils found in the top layer would be the most recently formed and therefore the youngest.
12.
In sedimentary rock, which layers would contain the oldest fossils?
Correct Answer
C. The bottom layer
13.
Body parts that are reduced in size, have no apparent function, and are thought to be derived from other, ancestral body parts are called _______ structures?
Correct Answer
C. Vestigial
Explanation
Vestigial structures are body parts that have reduced in size, have no apparent function, and are believed to have been derived from other ancestral body parts. These structures are remnants of organs or features that were once useful to an organism's ancestors but are no longer necessary for survival or have lost their original function.