Biology I
Formative Assessment #9
Multiple Choice
Directions: Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
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1. Charles Darwin, Charles Lyell and Alfred Russell Wallace all contributed to the theory of
evolution. Which statement best explains how support for this theory was obtained from the
scientific community?
A. Each scientist worked in isolation to experiment on fossils and prove their beliefs regarding
evolution.
B. Many scientific observations, related to biogeography and comparative anatomy, were made,
documented and shared.
C. Each scientists dissected different species from different parts of the world, then compared
and shared their findings with each other.
D. Together the scientists analyzed and compared cave drawings of various species of
prehistoric animals from different parts of the world.
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2. The fossil record is used to support evolution but it is not complete. In fact, large gaps exist.
In many cases the evolution of a species cannot be completely traced. How is the fossil record
used to support evolution if there are so many missing pieces?
A. Scientists only focus on those fossilized species which have a complete record.
B. Scientists use the tissue of fossilized organisms to conduct DNA testing to determine
evolutionary relationships
C. Scientists are able to build models of more complex organisms from the vast collection of
fossilized remains of simple organisms.
D. Scientists are able to make inferences regarding the gap in the fossil record by combining
their documented research, measurements and observations.
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3. Which of the following statements best describes a vestigial structure?
A. A flower that has petals of different shapes and colors due to the presence of several
codominant traits.
B. A tiger with a leg bone that is similar to that of a dog indicating they have a common
ancestor.
C. A fish species that lives in complete darkness and has eyes that do not function.
D. A frog has developed an extra toe that it uses to grip larger food sources.
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Biology I
Formative Assessment #9
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4. The illustrations are of four different Galápagos Islands finch species that Charles Darwin
claimed originated from a single ancestral species. He collected and documented much data from
his observations while exploring the island chain. He also included research regarding other
species from this island chain which displayed the same type of divergent evolution.
Which of the following statements best explains the claim that different finch species originated
from a single ancestral species?
A. All recessive traits, in some of the finch populations, were eliminated over time due to the
presence of dominant traits
B. The finch populations exhibited different desirable traits as a result of adapting to different
environmental pressures.
C. The finches decreased the number of offspring produced which resulted in the presence of
new genotypes.
D. Individual finches acquired unique characteristics during their lifetimes and then moved to
other areas.
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5. The image below depicts the larval stages of various mosquitoes. The three have very similar
structures. What does this suggest about these organisms?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They all inherited their traits from a common ancestor.
The mosquito larvae all belong to the same species.
The Aedes and Anopheles evolved into the Culex.
They reproduce with each other.
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Biology I
Formative Assessment #9
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6. How would a scientist describe the illustrations showing the bones of a whale flipper and a bat
wing?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Homologous structures because the structures are similar but have different functions.
Analogous structures because they are similar but have different functions.
Embryonic structures because they show up before the species matures.
Vestigial structures because they will lose their function over time
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7. Natural selection is the process by which biological traits either become more or less
apparent within a population. There are certain conditions which are the basis for natural
selection. Which of the following examples best represents the adaptation of a species to its
environment?
A. Male Birds of Paradise inherit brilliant colors which they display in elaborate poses or
dances in order to catch the attention of a female mate.
B. A species of crab is living and reproducing successfully near hot hydrothermal vents at the
bottom of the Pacific Ocean, while other crab species are unable to survive there.
C. Female Loggerhead turtles lay numerous eggs, about 100, which when hatched produce
offspring that must make a mad dash to the ocean before being eaten by predatory sea
birds.
D. Some members of a species of garter snake are resistant to a toxin produced by one of its
food sources; the resistance trait will be passed to their offspring.
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8. Scientists have provided support that Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old. Up until
about 3.8 billion years ago, no life existed in this harsh environment. Not until solid rock
formed and volcanoes filled the atmosphere with water vapor and gases was life able to arise.
These volcanic gases contained the carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen needed for life,
but also contained toxic gases such as methane and ammonia. Which of the following
organisms best represent the earliest life forms?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Very simple multi-cellular organisms that relied on photosynthesis to produce energy.
Large flying insects that were able to obtain nutrients from the minerals in rocks.
Archaea-like photosynthetic organisms that lived in the available water.
Worm-like organisms that were able to live on the rocky surface.
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Biology I
Formative Assessment #9
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9. Many changes have occurred throughout hominid evolution. Modern humans have traits and
abilities that were not apparent in their ancestors six million years ago. What is the correct
progression of hominid development?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The size of the brain did not begin to change until after language evolved.
The manufacture of tools did not occur until after language surfaced.
The brain grew larger as language began to develop.
The jaw bone grew larger as the brain grew larger.
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10. The illustrations below represent different stages of hominid skull evolution.
What is the correct order of the evolution of the skull beginning with the earliest
example?
A.
B.
C.
D.
D, C, B, A
C, A, D, B
B, D, A, C
A, C, B, D
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Biology I
Formative Assessment #9
Answer
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Biology I Formative Assessment #9
Answer Key
Correct
Benchmark
Answer
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B
(assessing SC.912.N.1.6)
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D
(assessing SC.912.N.1.3)
C
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B
(assessing SC.912.N.1.3)
A
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A
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B
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C
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C
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D
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DOK
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