Week 2: Evidence of Evolution
Name: Period: Date:
REF STUDY GUIDE: Big Ideas Use to answer form questions
1.Distinguish between homologous and analogous structures
2.Use anatomical evidence to infer evolutionary relationships
3.Interpret fossil evidence including transitional forms
4.Predict features of transitional organisms based on evidence
DRAW KEY TERMS Google each → Images tab → sketch what you see
OTHER VOCAB: homologous structures · analogous structures · vestigial structures · transitional fossil · evidence of evolution · Week 2 Complete!
Homologous structures
Body parts with same structure but different functions
Analogous structures
Body parts with different structure but similar function
Vestigial structures
Reduced body parts from ancestors that no longer function
Transitional fossil
A fossil showing features between ancestor and descendant
WRITE FOCUS QUESTION Answer BEFORE Hook form
When scientists X-ray a whale flipper, they find five distinct finger bones arranged almost identically to a human hand — hidden inside a paddle that has never gripped anything.
🐋 Why do whale flippers have finger bones? What does this tell us about whale ancestors?
Your initial thinking:
I think...
WRITE AFTER HOOK FORM Reflect before continuing
I learned that...
Station 1 — Key Concepts
I observed that...
This shows that...
The key concept is...
CHECK DAY 1 CHECK-IN Before you leave
Q1: Why do whale flippers have finger bones?
Confidence: [ ] Still confused [ ] Getting it [ ] Got it!
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Week 2: Evidence of Evolution (Day 2)
Name: Period:
Station 2 — Fossil Sequence
The data shows...
This connects to...
DRAW CONCEPT MODEL Show your understanding visually
Draw a model that shows the main concept. Include labels and arrows to explain relationships.
Labels included
Relationships shown
Key terms used
CHECK TEST YOUR THINKING Rate each: FALSE ← 1–2–3–4–5 → TRUE
1. Structures that look similar in different species always mean those species are closely related.
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2. Vestigial structures have no purpose, so they prove evolution made a mistake.
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3. Fossils are the only evidence scientists use to support evolution.
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4. Whales developed flippers because they "needed" them when they moved to water.
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5. Transitional fossils are "missing links" that should be half one species and half another.
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Pick any TWO statements — especially any you rated 2, 3, or 4. Justify your rating with evidence:
Statement #___ — I rated it ___ because:
Statement #___ — I rated it ___ because:
THINK SCIENTIST CIRCLE DEBRIEF Reflect after your Scientist Circle discussion
AHA! Moment
The one I changed my thinking most about is...
Remaining Question
I still wonder...
WRITE FOCUS QUESTION REVISIT Final written response
Why do whale flippers have finger bones?
Word Bank: homologous structures · analogous structures · vestigial structures · transitional fossil · evidence of evolution · Week 2 Complete!
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