Quiz

1. The fossil records as well as the features of each organism provides evidence for evolution from the Mesoychid (55mya) to the Ambulocctus (52mya) to the Rodhocetus(46mya) and eventually to the Basilosaurus(42mya). Each organism shows different transitional features from one era to the next. In this case the organism went from being a land animal to aquatic animal. The physical features clearly show the homology (4 limbs: 1 bone, 2 bone, a lot of blobs. & tail) in each stage of evolution.

2. E) NORTH AMERICA

3. The dragonfly, the bird, and the bat all have the ability to fly. The structure for of the limbs for the bird and the bat are homologous, proving both to have evolved from a common ancestor. The dragonfly does not share this homologous structure, proving it descended from a different ancestral lineage. All three organisms are lightweight and are able to take flight.

4. By comparing the similarities and differences between the genetic code of different organisms, we were able to examine how closely related each organism was to one another. Comparing the amino acids, we were able to decipher the evolutionary similarities and concluding that many organisms may have evolved from the same ancestor.

5. Homology is a similar structure with a similar purpose (such as the limb). Homology can be used to trace evolution. Dr. Shubin proved the Tiktaalik was the missing link between aquatic and terrestrial beings. He was able to to look at the homology of the Tiktaalik and compare it to land and aquatic animals.