Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780133923001
Author: Gerald Audesirk, Teresa Audesirk, Bruce E. Byers
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 15.4, Problem 1CT
Some advocates of the view that all organisms were created simultaneously by God argue that vestigial structures do not constitute evidence of evolution, because they show only that a divinely created structure can degenerate over time. According to this view, human tailbones are not evidence of evolution because they do not show that an adaptive improvement has occurred. Is this a valid argument?
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Chapter 15 Solutions
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
Ch. 15.1 - identify some of the thinkers whose ideas set the...Ch. 15.1 - Prob. 2CYLCh. 15.1 - define evolution?Ch. 15.2 - A recent study found that Galpagos mockingbirds on...Ch. 15.2 - Prob. 2TCCh. 15.2 - explain how natural selection works and how it...Ch. 15.2 - describe the logic, based on four postulates, by...Ch. 15.3 - The fossil history of some kinds of modem...Ch. 15.3 - What Good Are Wisdom Teeth and Ostrich Wings?...Ch. 15.3 - Are a peacocks tail and a dogs tail homologous...
Ch. 15.3 - Between 70% and 85% of people will experience...Ch. 15.3 - describe the evidence that evolution has occurred?Ch. 15.3 - explain the difference between similarity due to...Ch. 15.3 - What Good Are Wisdom Teeth and Ostrich Wings? Just...Ch. 15.4 - To reduce the incidence of pesticide resistance,...Ch. 15.4 - describe some observations and experiments that...Ch. 15.4 - CONSIDER THIS Some advocates of the view that all...Ch. 15.4 - Some advocates of the view that all organisms were...Ch. 15 - Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic bones...Ch. 15 - Darwin was influenced by Malthuss thinking about...Ch. 15 - Prob. 3MCCh. 15 - Which of the following is not required for...Ch. 15 - Prob. 5MCCh. 15 - The flipper of a seal is homologous with the _____...Ch. 15 - Prob. 2FIBCh. 15 - Georges Cuvier espoused a concept called ______ to...Ch. 15 - Prob. 4FIBCh. 15 - Prob. 5FIBCh. 15 - Darwin's postulate 2 states that ______. The work...Ch. 15 - Prob. 1RQCh. 15 - Distinguish between catastrophism and...Ch. 15 - Describe Lamarcks theory of inheritance of...Ch. 15 - What is natural selection? Describe how natural...Ch. 15 - Describe how evolution occurs. In your...Ch. 15 - What is convergent evolution? Give an example.Ch. 15 - How do biochemistry and molecular genetics...Ch. 15 - In what sense are humans currently acting as...Ch. 15 - In discussions of untapped human potential, It is...Ch. 15 - Does evolution through natural selection produce...
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- Evolutionary biologists often say that evolution “selects for outcomes” not for the particular genetic changes that lead to that adaptive outcome. Given that perspective, is it surprising that different gene mutations might be involved in the evolution of the same trait (such as light skin or adaptation to living in high mountains)? Why or why not?arrow_forwardWith regard to biological evolution, which of the following statements is incorrect? Explain why.A. During its lifetime, an animal evolves to become better adaptedto its environment.B. The process of biological evolution has produced species thatare better adapted to their environments.C. When an animal is better adapted to its environment, the process of natural selection makes it more likely that the animalwill reproduce.arrow_forwardEvolution is the theory that species change over time. According to this theory, new species form from existing species through variation and natural selection. The evolutionary process is very slow and the transformation of one species into another requires thousands of years. Several evidences are used to prove evolution and somehow reconstruct how this process occur: 1.Fossil Records. 2.Homologous Body Structures. 3.Vestigial structures. 4.Similarity of embryo. 5.Geographical evidencearrow_forward
- Which of the following statements is NOT true about evolution? Group of answer choices A-Evolution has been supported by a mounting body of genetic evidence B-Humans share a recent common ancestor with other primates C-The main principle of the theory of evolution is the simple fact that humans evolved from monkeys D-The theory of evolution has been tested and subjected to verification through accumulated evidence (and has not been disproved) E-Evolution can be studied at the microevolutionary or macroevolutionary levelarrow_forwardIntelligent design is the theory that life is too complex to have evolved randomly. The eye is often cited as an example, arguing that its complexity argues for the presence of a creator guiding its development. What use is half an eye or a partial wing? It is a popular idea because it does not deny the observable fact of evolution, while leaving room for the presence of God. Is intelligent design a viable scientific theory? Why or why not?arrow_forwardDuring a study session about evolution, one of your fellow students remarked “The giraffe stretched its neck while reaching for higher leaves; its offspring inherited longer necks as a result.” Which statement is MOST likely to be helpful in correcting this student’s misconception? Why? * No answer Disuse of an organ may lead to its eventual disappearance. Spontaneous mutations can result in the appearance of new traits. Only favorable adaptations have survival value. Characteristics acquired during an organism’s life are generally not passed on through genes.arrow_forward
- Scientists have long believed that the 14 species of finches on the Galapagos Islands evolved from a single species of finch that migrated to the islands one to five million years ago. Recent DNA analyses support the conclusion that all of the Galapagos finches evolved from the mainland warbler finch. Different species live on different islands. One of the major changes in the finches is in their beak sizes and shapes. How would an evolutionary biologist today best answer the following question? In the finch population, what are the primary changes that occur gradually over time? A. The proportions of finches having different traits within a population change. B. The traits of each finch within a population gradually change. C. Mutations occur to meet the needs of the finches as the environment changes. D. Successful behaviors learned by the finches are passed on to offspring.arrow_forwardScientists have long believed that the 14 species of finches on the Galapagos Islands evolved from a single species of finch that migrated to the islands one to five million years ago. Recent DNA analyses support the conclusion that all of the Galapagos finches evolved from the mainland warbler finch. Different species live on different islands. One of the major changes in the finches is in their beak sizes and shapes. How would an evolutionary biologist today best answer the following question? How did the different beak types first arise in the Galapagos finches? A. Changes in the finches' beaks occurred by chance, and when there was a good match between beak structures and available food, those birds had more offspring. B. The changes in the finches' beaks occurred because the environment induced the desired genetic changes. C. The finches' beaks changed a little bit in size and shape with each successive generation, some getting larger and some getting…arrow_forwardLamarck proposed that evolution occurs through the following basic steps: Organisms are born with certain traits. Over the course of an organism's life, these traits gradually change due to pressures in the environment. The changes that occurred during an organism's life are passed on to its young. This idea is similar to current understandings of how evolution works, but it is not quite correct. Which of the following situations is a counterexample that disproves Lamarck's proposed pattern of how evolution occurs? A. Even though the ability to fly would be useful to snakes, snakes cannot spontaneously grow wings. B. Dolphins and whales have become hairless because the fast movement of the water removes all the hair. C. A person who is a championship bodybuilder does not have children who are naturally muscular at birth.arrow_forward
- What are the shreds of evidence that the theory of evolution happened to all living forms?arrow_forwardThe upper forelimbs of humans and bats have fairly similar skeletal structures, whereas the corresponding bones in whales have very different shapes and proportions. However, genetic data suggest that all three kinds of organisms diverged from a common ancestor at about the same time. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these data? Group of answer choices Forelimb evolution was adaptive in people and bats, but not in whales. Natural selection in an aquatic environment resulted in significant changes to whale forelimb anatomy. Humans and bats evolved by natural selection, and whales evolved by Lamarckian mechanisms. Genes mutate faster in whales than in humans or bats.arrow_forwardThe concept of evolution has always been connected with some notion of progress–natural selection pushing populations toward better and better adaptations to create "perfect organisms." How would you argue that evolution does not craft perfect organisms?arrow_forward
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