Based on the text provided in the image, here are the answers to the questions.
Reasoning for Question 5:
The question asks what the study of embryology shows when comparing most vertebrates. Looking at the section "Developmental Biology - Embryology," the text states: "The embryos of most vertebrates look very similar and have similar structures." It specifically mentions that fish, birds, rabbits, and humans look similar in early stages (having gill slits and tails) but become less similar later as they develop. Therefore, the answer is that they look very similar in their early stages.
Reasoning for Question 6:
The question asks for the definition of a homologous structure. In the section "Morphology - Comparative Anatomy," the text defines these structures directly: "Many animals have body parts that are similar in both structure and function called homologous structures." It gives the example of forelimbs in humans, whales, and birds which have similar bone structures even if used for different things. So, a homologous structure is a body part that is similar in structure and origin across different species.
Reasoning for Question 7:
The question asks to describe a vestigial organ. The text explains this in the second paragraph of the Morphology section: "Darwin also observed that animals have structures that they do not use, which are called vestigial organs." It further clarifies that these are structures an organism has that do not have a current function, though they may have had one in the past. Examples given include the human appendix or wisdom teeth.
Reasoning for Question 8:
The question asks how genetics and DNA help the study of evolution. Under "Genetics - DNA Evidence," the text explains that scientists compare DNA to see how similar two organisms' genetic codes are to determine "how closely they are related." It mentions looking at chromosome numbers and genes. For example, humans and apes have very similar chromosome counts, indicating a close relationship. Thus, it helps by showing biological relationships and common ancestry based on genetic similarity.
Final Answer:
5. It shows that the embryos of most vertebrates look very similar and have similar structures (like gill slits and tails) during their early developmental stages.
6. A homologous structure is a body part found in different animals that is similar in structure and position, suggesting they share a common ancestor (e.g., the arm bones of a human, cat, whale, and bat).
7. A vestigial organ is a structure in an organism that has lost its original function and is no longer used, though it may have been useful to the organism's ancestors (e.g., the human appendix).
8. It helps by allowing scientists to compare the DNA and chromosomes of different organisms; the more similar the DNA is, the more closely related the organisms are likely to be.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of evidence for evolution worksheet.
