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BIOLOGY, M3 EQ-Bank 1 MC

Which type of evidence for evolution is demonstrated by the similarity in DNA sequences of the FOXP2 gene in humans and chimpanzees?

  1. Comparative anatomy
  2. Biogeography
  3. Biochemical evidence
  4. Comparative embryology
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\(C\)

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  • The similarity in DNA sequences of the FOXP2 gene in humans and chimpanzees is an example of biochemical evidence.
  • This type of evidence looks at similarities in genetic material or proteins across species to infer evolutionary relationships.

\(\Rightarrow C\)

BIOLOGY, M3 EQ-Bank 5

On a remote island, a group of flightless birds called the Insulavis live peacefully.

These birds have small, stubby appendages where their wings should be. Despite never using these appendages for flight, every Insulavis is born with them.

Using your understanding of Darwin and Wallace's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection, explain how the presence of these structures in Insulavis supports the theory of evolution. In your answer, provide a possible evolutionary scenario that could have led to the current state of Insulavis wings.   (4 marks)

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  • The small wing appendages of the Insulavis are vestigial structures, which provide strong support for the theory.
  • These structures indicate that Insulavis likely descended from flying ancestors, but over time, as the birds adapted to their island environment where flight was unnecessary or disadvantageous, their wings gradually reduced in size and functionality.
  • Natural selection would have favoured individuals with smaller wings, as they might have required less energy to maintain or provided other benefits in their flightless lifestyle.
  • This gradual reduction in wing size over many generations demonstrates the principle of descent with modification, a key component of evolutionary theory.
  • The presence of these vestigial wings in all Insulavis individuals shows how evolutionary history is preserved in an organism’s anatomy, even as it adapts to new environmental pressures.
Show Worked Solution
  • The small wing appendages of the Insulavis are vestigial structures, which provide strong support for the theory.
  • These structures indicate that Insulavis likely descended from flying ancestors, but over time, as the birds adapted to their island environment where flight was unnecessary or disadvantageous, their wings gradually reduced in size and functionality.
  • Natural selection would have favoured individuals with smaller wings, as they might have required less energy to maintain or provided other benefits in their flightless lifestyle.
  • This gradual reduction in wing size over many generations demonstrates the principle of descent with modification, a key component of evolutionary theory.
  • The presence of these vestigial wings in all Insulavis individuals shows how evolutionary history is preserved in an organism’s anatomy, even as it adapts to new environmental pressures.

BIOLOGY, M3 2017 HSC 5 MC

Four vertebrate forelimbs are shown.
 

In which area of study do these forelimbs support the theory of evolution?

  1. Biogeography
  2. Comparative anatomy
  3. Comparative embryology
  4. Palaeontology
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\(B\)

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  • Comparative anatomy is the practise of comparing body structures of different species.
  • In this example we see how across vertebrate species there are similar forelimb structures, suggesting divergence from a common ancestor. 

\(\Rightarrow B\)

BIOLOGY, M3 2004 HSC 18b

Justify the use of vertebrate forelimbs as evidence to support the theory of evolution.  (3 marks)

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  • Vertebrate forelimbs exhibit a shared structure across species, suggesting common ancestry.
  • Despite varying functions and appearances, the five-fingered bone structure remains consistent.
  • The transition from fins to limbs in early tetrapods further supports evolution as these transitions reveal functional stages in limb development.
  • By comparing the limbs of vertebrate we are presented with compelling evidence to support the theory of evolution.

Show Worked Solution

  • Vertebrate forelimbs exhibit a shared structure across species, suggesting common ancestry.
  • Despite varying functions and appearances, the five-fingered bone structure remains consistent.
  • The transition from fins to limbs in early tetrapods further supports evolution as these transitions reveal functional stages in limb development.
  • By comparing the limbs of vertebrate we are presented with compelling evidence to support the theory of evolution.

BIOLOGY, M3 2013 SM-Bank 21

Explain how ONE secondary source has provided support for the theory of evolution.  (4 marks)

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  • The theory of evolution suggests that species occur by variation of a common ancestor.
  • Variation within an ancient species caused certain characteristics to be favoured in certain environments, causing divergent evolution and overtime the development of new species.
  • This theory can be validated by comparative anatomy, the practise of comparing body structures of different species.
  • When comparing forelimbs of vertebrate, such as canines, humans and whales, we are presented with similarities in their structures. The bone structure is especially similar, with the named animals all having the same pentadactyl (five-digit) limb plan, as they all possess some form of humerus, ulna, radius, carpels and metacarpals. This suggests common ancestry.
Show Worked Solution
  • The theory of evolution suggests that species occur by variation of a common ancestor.
  • Variation within an ancient species caused certain characteristics to be favoured in certain environments, causing divergent evolution and overtime the development of new species.
  • This theory can be validated by comparative anatomy, the practise of comparing body structures of different species.
  • When comparing forelimbs of vertebrate, such as canines, humans and whales, we are presented with similarities in their structures. The bone structure is especially similar, with the named animals all having the same pentadactyl (five-digit) limb plan, as they all possess some form of humerus, ulna, radius, carpels and metacarpals. This suggests common ancestry.