Concept explainers
To explain: Whether the pattern of rate of evolutionary changes over time intervals holds true for most characters.
Introduction: The degree and rate of evolutionary changes vary in all organisms. For example: the rates of evolutionary change measured over short time intervals are often very high. However, rate of evolutionary changes that is measured over long time intervals are generally much lower.
To explain: Whether this pattern of rate of evolutionary changes over time intervals implies that the evolution of major new characters, such as the wings of bats, should occur very rapidly.
Introduction: The degree and rate of evolutionary changes vary in all organisms. For example: the rates of evolutionary change measured over short time intervals are often very high. However, rate of evolutionary changes that is measured over long time intervals are generally much lower.
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Evolution
- The phylogenetic tree for 12 cat species (Felidae) reproduced at right was assembled from molecular sequence data. Which species is the domestic cats closest relative? Which clade is the sister taxon to tigers? Are bobcats more closely related to cougars or to ocelots? Source: From Warren E. Johnson et al. 2006. The late Miocene radiation of modern Felidae: A genetic assessment. Science 311:7377.arrow_forwardThe Evolutionary History and Spread of Our Species (Homo sapiens) a. Briefly describe the two major theories discussed in this chapter about the origin of modern humans. b. Which of these two theories would predict a closer relationship for the various modern human populations? c. Which of the two theories is best supported by the genetic evidence?arrow_forwardWhich of the following evidence is not consistent with the idea that evolution is responsible for the diversity of animals we see today? A. The presence of vestigial organs in extant species B. Structural homologies among very different animals C. Fossil records of intermediate life forms D. Earth is not the center of the galaxy or universe Which of the following is not a part of the allopatric speciation by natural selection model? A. Geographically isolated populations evolve or change in response to novel environments. B. Reproductive isolation evolves as a by-product of changes in other traits associated with adapting to new resources or environments. C. Selection against hybridization leads to exaggeration of signals to facilitate recognizing conspecifics( individuals of the same species). D. Changes among or between populations occur while populations are geographically separated. Which of the following is not an example of the evolution of a key innovation (anew trait)…arrow_forward
- Anole lizards can be found on many islands in the Caribbean that share similar environmental habitats. Anoles on the different islands share similar ecological morphotypes because of their similar habitats. Anoles on each island have evolved from a common ancestor into a variety of different species that occupy different ecological niches as shown below. Which of the following statements explains how the morphotypes found on one island, and shown in the figure, occurred as a result of speciation? Convergent evolution occurred, causing new species to evolve based on diverse new habitats. Phenotypic diversification occurred as a result of divergent evolution as the anoles adapted to new habitats. Natural selection occurred, so individual anoles with certain phenotypes can survive and reproduce only in a specific ecological niche. Reproductive isolation occurred as a result of habitat isolation since the anoles are unable to move into different ecological niches to breed.arrow_forwardIn the past, the evolutionary history of whales was represented by cladogram A, shown below. As you can see, whales were believed to be closely related to mesonychids, an extinct group of mammals that looked similar to wolves. Today, that cladogram has been revised, as shown in cladogram B. Which of the following statements best describes the reason for this change? A - Cladograms A and B are hypotheses that changed as new evidence became available.B - Cladogram B was revised to show a water-to-land pattern of evolution in groups of organisms.C - Cladogram B was altered to better include similarities in habitat as new information became available.D - Cladograms are organized today to show a much more simplified pattern like the one shown in cladogram B.arrow_forwardWhen I first studied hominin evolution, they had found "Lucy", an Australopithecus afarensis, and everyone thought her species was an early ancestor of Homo sapien. The picture is much more complicated, with lots of hominins living in close proximity for millions of years...much different than our now singular species. Look at the phylogenetic tree and use it as a guide to briefly describe hominin lines in Africa up to Homo. Do not discuss Homo.Just discuss a sense that you generally can grasp what was going on in Africa with our Genus for 6 or 7 million years!arrow_forward
- Four Caribbean islands with similar environmental conditions have three different species of anole lizards with specific ecological morphotypes. Lizards Morphotypes Grass lizards Long tails Canopy lizards Large toe pads Twig lizards Short legs Researchers devised two phylogenetic trees to represent two different hypotheses about how the lizards may have evolved. The first hypothesis is that the different body types evolved repeatedly and independently of each island. The second suggests that each morphotype evolved once and spread to different islands. Which of the following statements best explains which type of data the researchers should use to test these two hypotheses, and which phylogenetic tree correctly shows the evolutionary relationships among anoles? Analyzing DNA samples from the anoles would likely show that phylogenetic tree B is correct since it is likely that each body type evolved once and spread to different islands. Analyzing the…arrow_forwardScientists have long believed that the 14 species of finches on the Galapagos Islands evolved from a single species of finch that migrated to the islands one to five million years ago. Recent DNA analyses support the conclusion that all of the Galapagos finches evolved from the mainland warbler finch. Different species live on different islands. One of the major changes in the finches is in their beak sizes and shapes. How would an evolutionary biologist today best answer the following question? How did the different beak types first arise in the Galapagos finches? A. Changes in the finches' beaks occurred by chance, and when there was a good match between beak structures and available food, those birds had more offspring. B. The changes in the finches' beaks occurred because the environment induced the desired genetic changes. C. The finches' beaks changed a little bit in size and shape with each successive generation, some getting larger and some getting…arrow_forward“Convergent evolution” refers to the fact that two different kinds of organisms have converged on… features that are similar because they are inherited from a shared ancestor … a similar area with a particular environment that is distinct from where they came from … any features that are the result of selection for similar habitats (e.g., aquatic or burrowing). … features that are similar, but not inherited from a shared ancestorarrow_forward
- The images below exhibit Y-5 molars. The left comes from a chimpanzee and the other is a zoomed-in image of Y-5 molars in a human. Why do these primates share the trait for Y-5 molars? Mark the best answer. Group of answer choices Unclear, cannot determine from the information given. Both inherited this trait from their common ancestor, which also had Y-5 molars. Convergent evolution, since both separately evolved Y-5 molars to adapt to dietary pressures. Random mutations, since having Y-5 molars is abnormal in these species of primate.arrow_forwardAlong with other geological evidence from rocks and structures, fossils give us clues about past climates, the motions of plates, and other major geological events. Which of the following statements does NOT support the evidence of evolution? * A. Fossils are records of structural changes that happen to organism B. Humans have stopped evolving. C. Fossils provide clear evidence of evolution. D. There may be similarities between different species due to a common ancestor. Davao is known for its wide variety of fruits and other plant species that makes it more attractive to tourists, which of the following classification of the value of biodiversity is described? * A. Direct economic value B. Indirect economic value C. Aesthetic value D. both A and Carrow_forwardChanges in the traits of the fossils studied are consistent with what is expected to be favored by natural selection, given environmental changes during that time. Thus, from the late Miocene, modern horses evolved to have the following traits, consistent with grassland ecosystems becoming more common, EXCEPT for -- A. Formation of hooves and fused forelimb bones. B. Teeth adapted for browsing rather than grazing.. C. A muscle and tendon system allowing for a springing motion in galloping. D. Larger animals better designed for grazing.arrow_forward
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