Evolution Questions set 2................Ch 7.4 – 8.

3:
7.4.... Explain homologous features using examples

Explain analogous features using examples

Summarize the vestigial features seen in fig 9 + 10 p 300

Practice p 303 #4 and 5

Print handout called Reproductive isolating mechanisms (goes with ppt 3)

7.4 1. For each of the following vestigial features, state the likely original function of the structures and
suggest a reason why it may have become vestigial:

a) the muscles and hairs that cause goose bumps in humans

b) short wing stubs in some insects such as earwigs

c) rudimentary hip bones in some large snake species

7.4 2. Match the term on the left to the definition on the right:

Homologous features Features that no longer serve the function that

they do in similar species
Vestigial features Features that serve the same function in different
organisms but are different in structure
Analogous features Similar structure of organisms have different
functions
Anatomical oddity Features that serve an unusual purpose or have a
structure which is difficult to explain [ex in fish
there is a nerve which travels from the brain in a
direct path near the heart to the gills. In
mammals the same nerve travels from the brain
towards the heart but then turns and heads back
upward to the larynx]
8.1 3. Which type of selection led to the following characteristics:

a) hollow and very lightweight bones in birds

b) hundreds of different but genetically similar species of fruit flies living in the Hawaiian islands

c) turtle species that have changed little over millions of years

d) males of many frog species that call every spring, while females are silent
8.1 4. Both male and female blue jays are brightly and similarly coloured. Is this an example of sexual
selection? Explain.

8.1 5. Directional selection occurs when selection favours individuals with more extreme variation of a
trait. This is sometimes a result of nature, but humans can also bring about an increase or decrease in
the value of a trait. Show how this can be done and give an example of a “human influenced”
directional selection.

8.1 6. The most common forms of sexual selection are female mate choice and male versus male
competition. Give an example of each. Ad hypothesize as to why in some species the female chooses
her mate while in others she accepts whichever deems himself to be more dominant.

8.2 7. Explain which type of reproductive isolating mechanism is at work in each of the following
situations:

a) Zebroids, the hybrid offspring result of matings between horses and zebras are sterile

b) Asian lions were once common and lived in open grasslands, while Asian tigers preferred forests.

c) female fireflies identify males by the pattern of light flashes they produce. Each species has a unique
pattern of flashes.

d) Male geese have a penis, while male herons do not. Male herons are unable to fertilize female
geese.

e) When pollen grains from white pine trees land on the female cones of red pine trees, fertilization
does not occur.

8.2 8. Would you expect to find more unique species on a large remote island or on a smaller island
that is close to a large continent? Explain your reasoning.

8.2 7. How can the separation of two populations lead to

a) the formation of new species?

b) a reduction in the genetic diversity of the populations and a possible threat to their survival?

8.2 9. Snakes are not the only legless terrestrial vertebrates. Caecilians are a group of amphibians that
also lack legs. Is this an example of convergent or divergent evolution? Explain your reasoning.

8.2 10. The separation of a single population into two isolated populations can lead to speciation, but it
can also threaten the survival of a species. Describe how humans influence speciation, giving a specific
example.

8.3 11. Compare and contrast divergent and convergent evolution. Include examples to illustrate the
similarities and differences