Describe Homologous and Vestigial Structures Flashcards
What are homologous structures?
Structures in different species that share a common ancestry.
What is an example of homologous structures?
The forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats.
True or False: Homologous structures serve the same function in different species.
False.
What is the significance of homologous structures in evolutionary biology?
They provide evidence of common descent.
What are vestigial structures?
Remnants of structures that had a function in an ancestor but no longer serve that purpose.
Give an example of a vestigial structure in humans.
The human appendix.
Fill in the blank: Vestigial structures may be _____ or reduced in size.
non-functional
True or False: Vestigial structures are always completely useless.
False.
What role do vestigial structures play in understanding evolution?
They indicate evolutionary changes over time.
How do homologous and vestigial structures differ?
Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry; vestigial structures are remnants without current function.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a vestigial structure? A) Wisdom teeth B) Tailbone C) Heart D) Nictitating membrane
C) Heart.
What is the main function of homologous structures?
To demonstrate evolutionary relationships among species.
Fill in the blank: The presence of _____ structures supports the theory of evolution.
homologous
True or False: Vestigial structures can provide clues about the diet of ancestors.
True.
What is an example of a vestigial structure in whales?
Pelvic bones.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following pairs are homologous structures? A) Whale flipper and human arm B) Bat wing and insect wing C) Fish fin and octopus tentacle
A) Whale flipper and human arm.
What does the study of homologous structures help scientists understand?
The evolutionary history and relationships among organisms.
Fill in the blank: Vestigial structures can be found in both _____ and _____ species.
living; extinct
True or False: All homologous structures have the same function.
False.
What is the term for structures that evolve independently but serve similar functions?
Analogous structures.
How can vestigial structures be useful in medicine?
They can provide insights into human evolution and potential health issues.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a function of the human tailbone? A) Walking B) Balance C) None D) Communication
C) None.
What do scientists infer from the existence of homologous structures?
That species have diverged from a common ancestor.
Fill in the blank: The _____ of homologous structures supports the concept of divergent evolution.
similarity
