1. All cells contain DNA which is found as chromosomes which are part of the genetic material that is called the “Genome” of that organism. (Points : 5)
True
False
2. The ancient fish, Coelocanth is a fossil that still lives today all over the world. (Points : 5)
True
False
3. ZPA is an enzyme that promotes cell division. (Points : 5)
True
False
4. When a limb bud of an embryo is transplanted to another part of the embryo a tail will be formed. (Points : 5)
True
False
5. Igneous rocks are the best kind of rocks to find fossils (Points : 5)
True
False
6. Early ancestors to modern man, the hominids, had large brain cases, the skull bones ( which is a key element in the eventual evolution of humans and their advancement in the world ) (Points : 5)
True
False
7. One of the vestigial organs in the human body is the appendix. (Points : 5)
True
False
8. Early organisms with wrist bones have always had the ability to rotate the wrist. (Points : 5)
True
False
SHORT ANSWER ESSAY – 10 points each (Each essay should contain at least 5+ complete sentences that are grammatically correct, contain no spelling or punctuation errors as WELL as contain the correct ANSWER to the question.
9. Why did the author of our textbook choose fossils in rocks that were formed about 375 million years ago? (Points : 10)
10. What are two adaptations found in the HUMAN hand which make our hands so useful? (Points : 10)
While many species have the same bone structures in their limbs and hands, human have developed two adaptations that have allowed them efficient use of their hands. The first adaptation is the ability to rotate the thumb relative to the elbow joint. This adaptation makes picking up and manipulating objects easier. The second adaptation is the capacity to supinate and pronate the wrist around the elbow joint. This rotation allows for the further use of the hands.
11. During the evolution of organisms there are some cases of DE-EVOLUTION. Discuss two examples of DE-EVOLUTION. (Points : 10)
During evolution, it is understood that structures move from less complex to more complex arrangements. However, the theory of de-evolution states that some organisms will evolve with traits like their predecessors, which will be a “step back” in complexity. An example of this is fish that live in deep water. Due to the lack of light that reaches them, they will develop worse eyesight and eventually lose it. Another example is the loss of organ structures that are not needed any more, like the vermiform appendix.
12. What are the 3 major methods we use to understand how our present human bodies became the way they are? (Points : 10)
13. Discuss the evolution of the “feathered dinosaurs” as it relates to the development of true birds? What was the sequence of events led the new species ( birds )? (Points : 10)
It is believed that birds have developed from reptiles. There have been findings of dinosaur fossils that have evidence of feathers. It is proposed that a branch of dinosaurs evolved more extensive feathers and eventually the ability to fly. This ability to fly is what saved the species from extinction, unlike their dinosaur cousins. These bird-reptile hybrids continued to develop in to modern day birds that we see today.
14. Why were the fossilized remains of the Tiktaalik chosen as the basis for our study of evolution vs. creationism? (Points : 10)
The reason the Tiktaalik is chosen as the basis of evolution vs. creationism is because of its unique role in history. The Tiktaalik is a fish that began to walk on land. This species highlights how species evolve. If creationism is to believed, then a higher being would only make land animals and water animals, and nothing in between. However, an argument could be made that this higher being wanted to create those types of species as well.
15. BONUS QUESTION 5 points
What are “Mud Puppies” and what role do they play in animal evolution? (Points : 5)
Mudpuppies are a type of salamander that have retained their juvenile gills. These creatures have both lungs and gills. The primarily live in the water, but can walk on land for a limited period of time. They are important in animal evolution because it is another instance of sea developing to into animals that walk on land.
