Tree Revolution Evolutionary Pathways Quiz Questions & Answers

1. Base your answers to this question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram represents possible evolutionary pathways of certain organisms.

Which species is most closely related to species L?

E

F

G

I

Species F is most closely related to species L. This can be determined by looking at the diagram and observing that species F shares a common ancestor with species L. The branching pattern of the diagram suggests that species F and L are more closely related to each other compared to the other species listed.

Explanation

Species F is most closely related to species L. This can be determined by looking at the diagram and observing that species F shares a common ancestor with species L. The branching pattern of the diagram suggests that species F and L are more closely related to each other compared to the other species listed.

2. The tree of evolution is called the _______.

Tree of evolutionary species.

Tree of incarnation

Phylogenetic tree

None of these

A phylogenetic tree is a visual representation of the evolutionary relationships between different species or groups of organisms. It shows how different species have evolved from a common ancestor over time. The tree of evolution is often referred to as a phylogenetic tree because it helps us understand the evolutionary history and relatedness of different organisms. The other options, such as "Tree of evolutionary species" and "Tree of incarnation," do not accurately describe the concept of a phylogenetic tree.

Explanation

A phylogenetic tree is a visual representation of the evolutionary relationships between different species or groups of organisms. It shows how different species have evolved from a common ancestor over time. The tree of evolution is often referred to as a phylogenetic tree because it helps us understand the evolutionary history and relatedness of different organisms. The other options, such as "Tree of evolutionary species" and "Tree of incarnation," do not accurately describe the concept of a phylogenetic tree.

3. Which statement concerning the evolution of species A, B, C, D, and E is supported by the diagram below?

Species B and C can be found in today's environments.

Species A and D evolved from E.

Species A and C can still interbreed.

Species A, B, and E all evolved from a common ancestor and all are successful today.

The diagram supports the statement that species B and C can be found in today's environments because they are shown as separate branches on the diagram, indicating that they have evolved and continue to exist in the present. The diagram does not provide evidence for the other statements.

Explanation

The diagram supports the statement that species B and C can be found in today's environments because they are shown as separate branches on the diagram, indicating that they have evolved and continue to exist in the present. The diagram does not provide evidence for the other statements.

4. An evolutionary pathway is represented below.

Which statement about evolutionary pathways is most accurate

All evolutionary pathways show that life began with autotrophic organisms that soon evolved into heterotrophic organisms.

Two organisms on the same branch of an evolutionary pathway are more closely related to each other than to those on distant branches.

All the organisms shown at the ends of evolutionary pathway branch tips are alive today.

Evolutionary pathways show that evolution is a short-term process.

Two organisms on the same branch of an evolutionary pathway are more closely related to each other than to those on distant branches. This statement accurately reflects the concept of common ancestry in evolution. Organisms that share a more recent common ancestor will be more closely related to each other than to organisms that share a common ancestor further back in time. The branching structure of an evolutionary pathway represents the divergence of species from a common ancestor, with organisms on the same branch being more closely related.

Explanation

Two organisms on the same branch of an evolutionary pathway are more closely related to each other than to those on distant branches. This statement accurately reflects the concept of common ancestry in evolution. Organisms that share a more recent common ancestor will be more closely related to each other than to organisms that share a common ancestor further back in time. The branching structure of an evolutionary pathway represents the divergence of species from a common ancestor, with organisms on the same branch being more closely related.

5. One possible pathway for the evolution of elephants is represented in the diagram below.

Which statement concerning this pattern of evolution is correct?

Evolution always results in favorable traits.

Evolution does not always result in a species that will survive to present time.

Evolution leads to less complex organisms.

Evolution results in the same changes in all species.

Evolution does not always result in a species that will survive to present time because the process of evolution is driven by natural selection, which favors traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. However, environmental changes, competition, and other factors can lead to the extinction of certain species along the evolutionary pathway. Therefore, not all species that undergo evolution will necessarily survive to the present time.

Explanation

Evolution does not always result in a species that will survive to present time because the process of evolution is driven by natural selection, which favors traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. However, environmental changes, competition, and other factors can lead to the extinction of certain species along the evolutionary pathway. Therefore, not all species that undergo evolution will necessarily survive to the present time.

6. Which observation could best be used to indicate an evolutionary relationship between two species?

They have similar base sequences.

They have similar fur color.

They inhabit the same geographic regions.

They occupy the same niche.

Similar base sequences in the DNA of two species can indicate an evolutionary relationship between them. This is because DNA sequences are inherited from ancestors and can change over time through genetic mutations. Therefore, if two species have similar base sequences, it suggests that they share a common ancestor and have evolved from a common lineage. This similarity in DNA sequences can provide evidence of a close evolutionary relationship between the two species.

Explanation

Similar base sequences in the DNA of two species can indicate an evolutionary relationship between them. This is because DNA sequences are inherited from ancestors and can change over time through genetic mutations. Therefore, if two species have similar base sequences, it suggests that they share a common ancestor and have evolved from a common lineage. This similarity in DNA sequences can provide evidence of a close evolutionary relationship between the two species.

7. The evolutionary pathways of five species are represented in the diagram below.

Which statement is supported by the diagram?

Species C is the ancestor of species B.

Species D and E evolved from species B.

Species X evolved later than species D but before species B.

Both species C and species D are related to species X.

The diagram shows that species C and species D are both connected to species X, indicating that they share a common ancestor or are closely related. This is supported by the branching pattern in the diagram, which suggests a common lineage between species C, D, and X.

Explanation

The diagram shows that species C and species D are both connected to species X, indicating that they share a common ancestor or are closely related. This is supported by the branching pattern in the diagram, which suggests a common lineage between species C, D, and X.

8. The diagram below represents possible evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms.

Which statement is a valid conclusion that can be drawn from the diagram?

Snails appeared on Earth before corals.

Sponges were the last new species to appear on Earth.

Earthworms and sea stars have a common ancestor.

Insects are more complex than mammals.

The diagram shows different groups of organisms and their evolutionary relationships. By analyzing the diagram, we can see that earthworms and sea stars share a common ancestor, as they both branch off from the same point. This suggests that they have a common evolutionary history and are related to each other. Therefore, the valid conclusion that can be drawn from the diagram is that earthworms and sea stars have a common ancestor.

Explanation

The diagram shows different groups of organisms and their evolutionary relationships. By analyzing the diagram, we can see that earthworms and sea stars share a common ancestor, as they both branch off from the same point. This suggests that they have a common evolutionary history and are related to each other. Therefore, the valid conclusion that can be drawn from the diagram is that earthworms and sea stars have a common ancestor.

9. Some evolutionary pathways are represented in the diagram below.

An inference that can be made from information in the diagram is that

Many of the descendants of organism B became extinct

Organism B was probably much larger than any of the other organisms represented

Most of the descendants of organism B successfully adapted to their environment and have survived to the present time

The letters above organism B represent members of a single large population with much biodiversity

The diagram represents evolutionary pathways, indicating the relationships between different organisms. Since there are fewer descendants of organism B compared to the other organisms represented, it can be inferred that many of the descendants of organism B became extinct.

Explanation

The diagram represents evolutionary pathways, indicating the relationships between different organisms. Since there are fewer descendants of organism B compared to the other organisms represented, it can be inferred that many of the descendants of organism B became extinct.

10. To determine evolutionary relationships between organisms, a comparison would most likely be made between all of the characteristics below except

Methods of reproduction

Number of their ATP molecules

Sequences in their DNA molecules

Structure of protein molecules present

To determine evolutionary relationships between organisms, scientists typically compare characteristics that are inherited and can provide information about common ancestry. This includes methods of reproduction, sequences in their DNA molecules, and structure of protein molecules present. The number of ATP molecules, on the other hand, is not a characteristic that is inherited or can provide information about common ancestry. Therefore, it would not be included in the comparison to determine evolutionary relationships.

Explanation

To determine evolutionary relationships between organisms, scientists typically compare characteristics that are inherited and can provide information about common ancestry. This includes methods of reproduction, sequences in their DNA molecules, and structure of protein molecules present. The number of ATP molecules, on the other hand, is not a characteristic that is inherited or can provide information about common ancestry. Therefore, it would not be included in the comparison to determine evolutionary relationships.