Describe Homologous and Vestigial Structures

Question 1

What are homologous structures?

Answer 1

Structures in different species that share a common ancestry.

Question 2

What is an example of homologous structures?

Answer 2

The forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats.

Question 3

True or False: Homologous structures serve the same function in different species.

Answer 3

False.

Question 4

What is the significance of homologous structures in evolutionary biology?

Answer 4

They provide evidence of common descent.

Question 5

What are vestigial structures?

Answer 5

Remnants of structures that had a function in an ancestor but no longer serve that purpose.

Question 6

Give an example of a vestigial structure in humans.

Answer 6

The human appendix.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: Vestigial structures may be _____ or reduced in size.

Answer 7

non-functional

Question 8

True or False: Vestigial structures are always completely useless.

Answer 8

False.

Question 9

What role do vestigial structures play in understanding evolution?

Answer 9

They indicate evolutionary changes over time.

Question 10

How do homologous and vestigial structures differ?

Answer 10

Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry; vestigial structures are remnants without current function.

Question 11

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a vestigial structure? A) Wisdom teeth B) Tailbone C) Heart D) Nictitating membrane

Answer 11

C) Heart.

Question 12

What is the main function of homologous structures?

Answer 12

To demonstrate evolutionary relationships among species.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: The presence of _____ structures supports the theory of evolution.

Answer 13

homologous

Question 14

True or False: Vestigial structures can provide clues about the diet of ancestors.

Answer 14

True.

Question 15

What is an example of a vestigial structure in whales?

Answer 15

Pelvic bones.

Question 16

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

Answer 16

A) Whale flipper and human arm.

Question 17

What does the study of homologous structures help scientists understand?

Answer 17

The evolutionary history and relationships among organisms.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Vestigial structures can be found in both _____ and _____ species.

Answer 18

living; extinct

Question 19

True or False: All homologous structures have the same function.

Answer 19

False.

Question 20

What is the term for structures that evolve independently but serve similar functions?

Answer 20

Analogous structures.

Question 21

How can vestigial structures be useful in medicine?

Answer 21

They can provide insights into human evolution and potential health issues.

Question 22

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a function of the human tailbone? A) Walking B) Balance C) None D) Communication

Answer 22

C) None.

Question 23

What do scientists infer from the existence of homologous structures?

Answer 23

That species have diverged from a common ancestor.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The _____ of homologous structures supports the concept of divergent evolution.

Answer 24

similarity