Question 1

The fossil shown in the image is Myllokunmingia fengjiaoa, an early Cambrian animal. Which of the following features best supports its close relationship to vertebrates?

Accepted Answer

Possession of a notochord and dorsal, hollow nerve cord

Question 2

Which of the following is a major evolutionary innovation that allowed vertebrates to colonize land about 365 million years ago?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of limbs capable of supporting weight

Question 3

All chordates share four key characteristics at some point in their life cycle. Which of the following is NOT one of these characteristics?

Accepted Answer

A ventral, solid nerve cord

Question 4

In humans, what is the remnant of the notochord?

Accepted Answer

The gelatinous material of the disks between the vertebrae

Question 5

Which group of living chordates is considered the most basal?

Accepted Answer

Lancelets (Cephalochordata)

Question 6

Tunicates display chordate characteristics primarily during which stage of their life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Larval stage

Question 7

Which of the following statements about Hox genes in chordates is correct?

Accepted Answer

Tunicates have fewer Hox genes than lancelets and vertebrates.

Question 8

Which of the following adaptations is unique to gnathostomes compared to earlier vertebrates?

Accepted Answer

Development of jaws

Question 9

The lateral line system in fishes is primarily used for:

Accepted Answer

Sensing vibrations in the surrounding water

Question 10

Which of the following is a derived character of tetrapods that distinguishes them from their aquatic ancestors?

Accepted Answer

Limbs with digits

Question 11

Tiktaalik is considered a transitional fossil because it possesses features of both fish and tetrapods. Which feature is specifically tetrapod-like?

Accepted Answer

Ribs to help breathe air and support the body

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why amphibian eggs must be laid in moist environments?

Accepted Answer

Amphibian eggs lack a shell and dehydrate quickly in dry air.

Question 13

Which adaptation allowed amniotes to complete their life cycles entirely on land?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of the amniotic egg with extraembryonic membranes

Question 14

Which of the following statements about reptiles is correct?

Accepted Answer

Most reptiles are ectothermic and regulate body temperature behaviorally.

Question 15

Birds are highly adapted for flight. Which of the following is NOT a weight-saving modification found in birds?

Accepted Answer

Presence of two ovaries in females

Question 16

Which of the following is a derived trait of mammals?

Accepted Answer

Production of milk by mammary glands

Question 17

Which group of mammals is characterized by egg-laying?

Accepted Answer

Monotremes

Question 18

Which of the following features distinguishes humans from other apes?

Accepted Answer

Bipedal locomotion and a much larger brain

Question 19

Which evidence supports the hypothesis that early hominins were increasingly bipedal?

Accepted Answer

Foramen magnum located directly underneath the skull

Question 20

Which of the following statements about Homo floresiensis is supported by fossil evidence?

Accepted Answer

It was a dwarf hominin with a brain size closely matching that predicted for its body size.

The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates: Study Notes

스터디 가이드 - 연습 문제

학습 가이드 - 플래시카드