Test Your knowledge about Vestigial Structures Quiz
The field of evolutionary biology is super exciting. Why not test your knowledge about vestigial structures with this fun quiz? By definition, vestigial structures are structures in an organism's body that have no function but were a residual trait from their previous ancestor. Do you think you know everything about them? Experts carefully design all the questions in the quiz to help you understand the concepts in-depth. We hope that you learn something new from the quiz. Remember to share if you enjoyed playing the quiz. Have fun, and keep learning! Good Luck!
- 1.
Darwin's finches are an example of
- A.
Evolutionary biology
- B.
Domestic breeding
- C.
Geographical distribution
- D.
Regressive evolution
Correct Answer
A. Evolutionary biologyExplanation
Darwin's finches are a classic example in the field of evolutionary biology. These finches, found in the Galapagos Islands, played a crucial role in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. He observed that different species of finches had variations in their beak shapes, which allowed them to adapt to different food sources on the islands. This adaptation through natural selection led to the development of new species over time. Therefore, the correct answer is evolutionary biology as Darwin's finches are a significant illustration of the principles and mechanisms of evolution.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What exactly are vestigial organs?
- A.
Organs that have provided evolutionary benefits
- B.
Structures that have regressed the evolutionary process
- C.
Organs that are no longer in use but were of use to the ancestors
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Organs that are no longer in use but were of use to the ancestorsExplanation
Vestigial organs are organs that are no longer in use but were of use to the ancestors. These organs have lost their original function through the course of evolution but still exist in the body. They are considered remnants of evolutionary history and are often reduced in size or have a modified function compared to their ancestors. Examples of vestigial organs in humans include the appendix, tailbone, and wisdom teeth.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following is an example of vestigial structure?
- A.
The fins of sharks
- B.
The wings of an ostrich
- C.
The hind limbs of a house cat
- D.
Wings of a red-tailed hawk
Correct Answer
B. The wings of an ostrichExplanation
The wings of an ostrich are an example of a vestigial structure. Ostriches are flightless birds, and their wings have evolved to be small and non-functional. This is because their ancestors were able to fly, but over time, as ostriches adapted to a ground-dwelling lifestyle, their wings became unnecessary for flight. However, vestiges of their wings still remain, serving as a remnant of their evolutionary history.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure in a whale?
- A.
The pelvis and the femur
- B.
The tailbone
- C.
The lungs
- D.
The back fins
Correct Answer
A. The pelvis and the femurExplanation
The pelvis and the femur are an example of a vestigial structure in a whale because they are remnants of hind limbs that were once functional in their land-dwelling ancestors. In whales, these structures have greatly reduced in size and are no longer used for locomotion. This suggests that whales evolved from ancestors that had hind limbs, but over time, these limbs became unnecessary and gradually disappeared, leaving behind only remnants in the form of the pelvis and femur.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is an example of vestigial structure in a human?
- A.
Liver
- B.
Kidneys
- C.
Femur
- D.
Wisdom Teeth
Correct Answer
D. Wisdom TeethExplanation
Wisdom teeth are considered an example of a vestigial structure in humans. Vestigial structures are anatomical features that have lost their original function over the course of evolution. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties. However, due to changes in human diet and jaw size over time, wisdom teeth often become impacted or cause dental issues. As a result, they are no longer necessary for chewing and are considered vestigial remnants from our ancestors who had larger jaws and ate a different diet.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is another example of vestigial structure in human?
- A.
Gallbladder
- B.
Appendix
- C.
Femur bone
- D.
Nasal cavity
Correct Answer
B. AppendixExplanation
The appendix is considered a vestigial structure in humans because it has no known function. It is a small, finger-like organ attached to the large intestine. In the past, it was believed to play a role in digestion, but now it is understood that it serves no essential purpose in humans. The appendix is thought to be a remnant from our evolutionary ancestors who needed it to digest a diet high in plant matter. However, as humans evolved and their diets changed, the appendix became unnecessary.Rate this question:
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- 7.
- Which of the following is an incorrect statement about comparative biochemistry?
- A.
He mechanism for building proteins from amino acids is nearly identical in all living systems.
- B.
DNA and RNA are the basic genetic codes for all life.
- C.
All living organisms produce the same types of proteins.
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. All living organisms produce the same types of proteins.Explanation
Comparative biochemistry is the study of the similarities and differences in the chemical composition and processes of living organisms. The correct answer, "All living organisms produce the same types of proteins," is an incorrect statement about comparative biochemistry. In reality, different organisms have different protein compositions and produce different types of proteins based on their genetic codes. This diversity in protein production is essential for the functioning and adaptation of different organisms in their respective environments.Rate this question:
- 8.
Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?
- A.
The wings on flightless Birds
- B.
Pelvic bones in snakes
- C.
The eyes of blind cave fishes
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the above options are examples of vestigial structures. Vestigial structures are organs or body parts that have lost their original function through evolution. Flightless birds still have wings, although they are unable to fly. Snakes have pelvic bones, even though they don't have legs. Blind cave fishes have eyes, but they are non-functional due to their living environment. These structures are remnants of ancestors who had functional versions of them, but over time, they have become unnecessary or have lost their original purpose.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following statement about fossils is false?
- A.
Fossils from the upper layers are the ancestors of modern forms.
- B.
Fossils from the uppermost rock are most like current forms.
- C.
Fossils from the deeper layers are the ancestors of current forms.
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Fossils from the upper layers are the ancestors of modern forms.Explanation
Fossils from the upper layers are not necessarily the ancestors of modern forms. Fossils found in upper layers may represent species that lived more recently and may not be direct ancestors of current forms. Fossils from deeper layers, on the other hand, can provide evidence of earlier species and potential ancestors of current forms. Therefore, the statement that fossils from the upper layers are the ancestors of modern forms is false.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following examples does NOT support the theory of evolution?
- A.
The genus of legless lizards are no longer considered lizards and are now part of the snake genus.
- B.
Vestigial organs are structures that are no longer necessary for survival.
- C.
Bats, humans, and cats have similarly constructed forelimbs and thus it suggests a common ancestor.
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. The genus of legless lizards are no longer considered lizards and are now part of the snake genus.Explanation
The correct answer is "The genus of legless lizards are no longer considered lizards and are now part of the snake genus." This example actually supports the theory of evolution because it demonstrates how a species can undergo changes over time and adapt to its environment. The fact that legless lizards are now considered part of the snake genus suggests that they have evolved from their lizard ancestors to better suit their ecological niche.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Aug 16, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 29, 2022Quiz Created by
Tanya Mishra
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