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Science Melc 6
Science Melc 6
PART A
When you hear talk of evidence for evolution, the first thing that frequently comes to mind for most people is fossils. The fossil
record has one important, unique characteristic: it is our only actual glimpse into the past where common descent is
proposed to have taken place. As such it provides invaluable evidence for common descent.
The most compelling evidence for evolution in the fossil record comes from transitional fossils, which show the gradual change
between two different species. Fossils provide evidence for evolution because they are the remains of ancient organisms that once
lived on Earth.
ACTIVITY 2A
1. Homologous structures
2. Analogous structures
3. Homologous structures
4. Analogous structures
5. Homologous structures
ACTIVITY 2B
Similarities in structure among these organisms that they have a common ancestor. Both are vertebrates.
Though all vertebrates have the same fundamental bone structures, they have become adapted to different ways of life. Thus, the
human arm is used for lifting or carrying while the cat leg is used for walking.
5. Structures that are similar in form and origin but modified to adapt to different functions are
called
Homologous structures
These structures bird wings and butterfly wings have a similar function which is used for flying.
These structures differ in origin; the bird is a vertebrate while the butterfly is an invertebrate.
8. Do you think birds and insects have a common ancestor? Why or Why not?
No, they don’t have a common ancestor, they share the same function but greatly differ in anatomy, therefore they evolved
independently of one another.
9. Structures that are similar in functions but have different evolutionary origins are called
Analogous structures
By studying the comparative anatomy of organisms, scientists can study the differences and similarities of organisms and can
classify these organisms which may be closely related or not, or these organisms have evolved from a common ancestor.
ACTIVITY 3
TABLE 2
Lemur
3. If the amino acid sequence of two organisms is similar, will their DNA be also the same? Explain
your answer.
Yes, the similarity in DNA sequence may suggest similarity in their DNA sequence, it suggests a closer relationship among these
organisms.
V.REFLECT