Name: _____________________________________ Date: __________ Class: ______
Review
B.7AB: Evidence of Common Ancestry
B.7A: Analyze and evaluate how evidence of common ancestry among groups is provided
by the fossil record, biogeography, and homologies, including anatomical, molecular, and
developmental. ✪ Readiness Standard
B.7B: Analyze and evaluate scientific explanations concerning any data of sudden
appearance, stasis, and sequential nature of groups in the fossil record. Supporting
Standard
1. The study of the similarities of species in the fossil record reflects that organisms
have a common ancestry. Evidence of evolution also includes the study of
biogeography (geographic isolation and continental drift) and homologies
(anatomical, genetic, and developmental).
2. The fossil record reflects that over geologic time, species have stayed the same
(stasis), changed suddenly (punctuated equilibrium), or changed gradually and
sequentially.
Vocabulary
Ancestry, gradualism, Pangaea, punctuated equilibrium, radioactive dating, relative
dating, speciation,
Fundamental Questions
Use the Key Concepts information as well as the information in your Stemscopedia
beginning on page 57 to answer the fundamental questions below.
1. How do scientific observations help answer questions about the history of life?
2. How is evidence of common ancestry reflected in science?
3. How does the fossil record reflect changes in groups of organisms over time?
4. What are the different types of evolution?
5. What are some factors that influence evolution?
Analysis
Complete the following in the space provided.
1) Explain how anatomical homologies are similar in related organisms.
2) Explain the difference between gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.
3) Given a cladogram containing organisms, determine the trait that causes that each
organism to separate from the previous one.
a. What trait separates Lampreys
from tuna on this cladogram?
b. What separates a salamander
from a turtle?
c. Which organism is most related
to the leopard?
d. What 4 traits do these two organisms share?
e. Which organism will have DNA most similar to the turtle?
f. Which organism’s DNA will differ the most from the leopard
4) Support the idea that the fossil record provides evidence for evolution.
Describe the difference between:
a. Homologous structures
b. Analogous structures
c. Vestigial structures