Quiz: Comparing Anatomical Structures and Genetic Information in Extinct and Extant Organisms

1. What does the term “extant organisms” refer to? a) Organisms that are currently alive and existing b) Organisms that are no longer alive and extinct c) Organisms that are found only in fossils d) Organisms that are artificially created in laboratories

2. Which of the following is NOT a similarity between anatomical structures of extinct and extant organisms? a) Presence of homologous structures b) Similarities in bone structure and arrangement c) Similarities in organ systems and functions d) Differences in the number of limbs or appendages

3. What is the main source of evidence for common ancestry between extinct and extant organisms? a) Fossil records b) Genetic information c) Comparative anatomy d) Environmental factors

4. Which of the following is an example of a homologous structure? a) Wings of a bird and wings of a butterfly b) Fins of a fish and flippers of a seal c) Beak of a bird and beak of a turtle d) Tail of a dog and tail of a cat

5. How does genetic information provide evidence for common ancestry? a) Similar genetic sequences indicate a shared evolutionary history b) Genetic information is not useful in determining common ancestry c) Genetic information only provides evidence for extinct organisms d) Genetic information is only useful for determining the age of fossils

6. What are some differences in anatomical structures between extinct and extant organisms? a) Extinct organisms have more complex structures than extant organisms b) Extant organisms have more diverse structures than extinct organisms c) Extinct organisms have structures that are no longer present in extant organisms d) There are no significant differences in anatomical structures between extinct and extant organisms

7. Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure? a) Human appendix b) Bird wings c) Fish gills d) Insect antennae

8. What is the significance of patterns between taxa in understanding common ancestry? a) Patterns help identify extinct organisms more accurately b) Patterns provide evidence for convergent evolution c) Patterns help determine the age of fossils d) Patterns indicate shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships

9. How does the study of anatomical structures and genetic information contribute to our understanding of evolution? a) It helps us understand the process of natural selection b) It provides evidence for the existence of a higher power c) It proves that all organisms have a common ancestor d) It helps us understand the origin of life on Earth

10. Which of the following statements is true regarding the similarities and differences between extinct and extant organisms? a) Extinct organisms have identical anatomical structures to extant organisms b) Extant organisms have completely different genetic information compared to extinct organisms c) Similarities in anatomical structures and genetic information suggest a common ancestry between extinct and extant organisms d) Differences in anatomical structures and genetic information disprove the theory of evolution

Answer Key: 1. a) Organisms that are currently alive and existing 2. d) Differences in the number of limbs or appendages 3. a) Fossil records 4. b) Fins of a fish and flippers of a seal 5. a) Similar genetic sequences indicate a shared evolutionary history 6. c) Extinct organisms have structures that are no longer present in extant organisms 7. a) Human appendix 8. d) Patterns indicate shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships 9. a) It helps us understand the process of natural selection 10. c) Similarities in anatomical structures and genetic information suggest a common ancestry between extinct and extant organisms