Final Summative Of Evidence For Evolution 

Heredity is the process by which genetic traits are passed down from parents to their offspring. This means that offspring inherit certain traits, such as eye color or height, from their parents. This passing of genetic information is a fundamental aspect of reproduction and is responsible for the similarities and differences we see among individuals within a species. Therefore, the statement "Heredity is the passing of genetic traits from parent to offspring" is true.

The correct answer is hippopotamus because whales and hippopotamuses belong to the same order of mammals called Cetartiodactyla. This order includes even-toed ungulates, which are mammals with hooves that have an even number of functional toes. Both whales and hippopotamuses are part of the suborder called Whippomorpha, which includes hippos, whales, and dolphins. This indicates a close evolutionary relationship between whales and hippos, making the hippopotamus the most closely related organism to whales among the given options.

Sharks are most closely related to ray finned fish based on the cladogram. This is because they share a common ancestor with ray finned fish, which diverged from the other organisms (amphibians, crocodiles, and birds) earlier in the evolutionary timeline. The cladogram shows the branching pattern of evolutionary relationships, and the closer the branches are, the more closely related the organisms are. Therefore, the fact that sharks and ray finned fish share a more recent common ancestor than any of the other organisms suggests that they are most closely related.

Dark moths would increase in population because they are better camouflaged in their environment, making them less likely to be preyed upon by predators. This would allow them to survive and reproduce more successfully, leading to an increase in their population over time.

Based on the diagram, we can see that fossil D is located in a lower rock layer compared to fossil C. In general, rock layers form in a chronological order with the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest layers at the top. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that fossil D is older than fossil C.

Two organisms that are closely related would have very similar DNA sequences because DNA is the genetic material that carries the instructions for building and functioning of organisms. Closely related organisms share a common ancestor, so their DNA sequences would be more similar compared to organisms that are distantly related. This similarity in DNA sequences reflects the common genetic heritage and evolutionary history of closely related organisms.

The correct answer is "They reproduce creating fertile offspring." This means that the male and female black widow spiders are able to mate and produce offspring that are capable of reproducing and continuing the species. This is a key characteristic of members of the same species, as individuals from different species are typically unable to produce fertile offspring together.

The correct answer is Homologous Structures. This is because the picture likely shows anatomical features in different organisms that have a similar structure, suggesting a common evolutionary origin. Homologous structures provide evidence for evolution and the relatedness of different species.

Natural selection refers to the process by which certain traits or characteristics become more or less common in a population over time due to their impact on survival and reproduction. It does not refer to the extinction of a species. When all organisms of a species have died, it is called extinction, not natural selection. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Vestigial structures are features present in modern organisms that are no longer in use. These structures are remnants of organs or traits that were functional in ancestral species but have lost their original purpose over time. Examples of vestigial structures in humans include the appendix, tailbone, and wisdom teeth. These structures provide evidence for evolution, as they suggest that organisms have evolved from ancestors with different needs and adaptations.

Scientists have been able to use DNA to find common proteins and amino acids to determine how closely related species are. DNA carries genetic information, and by comparing the DNA sequences of different species, scientists can identify similarities and differences. Common proteins and amino acids indicate a close evolutionary relationship between species, as they are inherited from a common ancestor. Therefore, DNA is a powerful tool for studying the evolutionary relationships and genetic similarities among different species.

Scientists compare organisms' DNA to support the theory that all species share a common ancestor. By analyzing the DNA sequences of different organisms, scientists can identify similarities and differences in their genetic makeup. These similarities provide evidence for the theory of common ancestry, suggesting that all species evolved from a single common ancestor over time. DNA comparisons allow scientists to trace the evolutionary relationships between different species and understand the patterns of diversification and adaptation that have occurred throughout history.

The correct answer is "look very similar." In stage one of these embryos, most of the embryos look very similar. This implies that at this early stage of development, the embryos have not yet developed distinct features or characteristics that differentiate them from one another.

The peppered moth's color allowed it to blend in with the light colored tree bark, providing camouflage and protection from predators. This ability to adapt to its environment through its coloration is an example of adaptation. Adaptation refers to the process by which a species changes over time in order to better survive and reproduce in its environment. In this case, the moth's coloration is a beneficial adaptation that increases its chances of survival.

A common ancestor refers to the most recent ancestral form or species from which two different species evolved. It is the shared ancestor that is common to both species and is the starting point of their evolutionary divergence. This term is used in the field of evolutionary biology to describe the relationship between species and their evolutionary history.

The answer is that the more two organisms have in common, the more recent is their common ancestor during their evolution. This is because evolution is a process that occurs over time, with species gradually changing and diverging from a common ancestor. The more similarities two organisms share, the more recent their divergence from a common ancestor must be. Therefore, the level of similarity between two organisms is a good indicator of their evolutionary relationship and the recency of their common ancestor.

In the early stages of development, vertebrates, including humans, possess gill slits and tails. These gill slits are structures that resemble the gills of fish and allow for respiration in aquatic environments. The presence of tails is a common characteristic of vertebrate embryos, which may later be reabsorbed or develop into specific structures depending on the species. This is a shared feature among vertebrates during their embryonic development, indicating their evolutionary history and common ancestry.

Homologous structures are features that have similar structures but different functions in organisms that share a common ancestor. These structures provide evidence for evolution, as they suggest that different species have evolved from a common ancestor and have inherited similar structural traits.

Fossils provide evidence for the history of life in the geologic past. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, and they provide valuable information about the past biodiversity, evolution, and environmental conditions on Earth. By studying fossils, scientists can reconstruct the appearance, behavior, and habitats of extinct species, as well as understand the changes that have occurred in species over time. Fossils also help in dating and correlating rock layers, providing a timeline of the Earth's history and the evolution of life on the planet.

Similar DNA or amino acid sequences indicate common evolutionary ancestry because organisms that share a common ancestor are likely to have inherited similar genetic material. Over time, mutations can occur in these sequences, leading to variations among species. By comparing the DNA or amino acid sequences of different organisms, scientists can determine the degree of similarity and infer the evolutionary relationships between them. This concept of molecular homology provides evidence for the theory of evolution and helps in understanding the evolutionary history of species.