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Chapter 18: Problem 48

Which of the following pieces of evidence illustrates evolution as an ongoing process? a. Some genes from the bacterium E. coli have sequences that are similar to genes found in humans. b. Marsupial mammals live in just a few places in the world today-Australia, South America, and part of North America. c. The fossil record shows that Rodhocetus, an aquatic mammal related to whales, had a type of ankle bone that is otherwise unique to a group of land animals. d. In the 1940s, infections by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus could be treated with penicillin; today populations exist that are completely resistant.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option D shows evolution as an ongoing process through bacterial resistance to penicillin.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Evolution

First, understand that evolution is an ongoing process where species undergo genetic changes over time. Evolution can be evidenced by adaptation, natural selection, and genetic mutations.
02

Review Option A

Consider if the similarity of genes between E. coli and humans illustrates ongoing evolutionary changes. This option highlights shared ancestry, not current evolutionary processes.
03

Review Option B

Consider if the current geographical distribution of marsupial mammals indicates ongoing evolution. This option describes historical biogeography rather than ongoing evolutionary change.
04

Review Option C

Analyze if the fossil record showing Rodhocetus illustrates evolution as an ongoing process. This option describes past evolutionary traits, not current changes.
05

Review Option D

Examine if the development of penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria illustrates ongoing evolution. This option shows a recent adaptation to an environmental pressure, demonstrating evolution in action through natural selection.
06

Conclusion

Out of all the options, only option D (the development of penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) represents a clear example of evolution as an ongoing process. It shows a population that has evolved resistance due to natural selection in response to the use of penicillin.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

genetic mutations
Genetic mutations are changes that occur in the DNA sequence of an organism. These changes can happen due to various reasons such as errors during DNA replication, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, or even due to viral infections. Mutations are the raw material for evolution because they introduce new genetic variations.
There are different types of mutations:
  • Point mutations: Changes in a single nucleotide base.
  • Insertions or deletions: Addition or loss of nucleotide bases.
  • Substitutions: Replacing one base with another.
These changes can have various effects on the organism. Some mutations might be harmful and lead to diseases, while others could be neutral or even beneficial, giving the organism an advantage in its environment. Beneficial mutations are often preserved through natural selection.
natural selection
Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. This process was famously described by Charles Darwin and can be summarized by the phrase 'survival of the fittest'.
Here鈥檚 how it works:
  • Organisms within a population vary in their traits.
  • Some of these traits provide a survival or reproductive advantage in a particular environment.
  • Organisms with these advantageous traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on these traits to the next generation.
  • Over time, these traits become more common within the population.
Natural selection leads to adaptation, where species become better suited to their environments. This process is ongoing and can be observed in real time, as seen in the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a clear example of evolution occurring in real-time. It happens when bacteria develop the ability to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill them or stop their growth.
Here鈥檚 how it happens:
  • When a bacterial population is exposed to an antibiotic, most of the bacteria are killed, but a few may survive due to random genetic mutations that confer resistance.
  • These resistant bacteria then reproduce, passing on the resistance genes to their offspring.
  • Over time and with continued antibiotic use, the population of resistant bacteria grows, making the antibiotic less effective.
This is an illustration of natural selection, where the antibiotic acts as an environmental pressure, and resistant bacteria are the ones that survive and reproduce. The development of resistance by Staphylococcus aureus to penicillin in the 1940s is a classic example. It shows how quickly bacteria can evolve and why it is crucial to use antibiotics responsibly to slow down resistance development.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe a situation where hybrid reproduction would cause two species to fuse into one. a. Separate species cannot interbreed, so hybrid reproduction does not occur in nature b. If the hybrid offspring are more fit than the parents, reproduction would likely continue between both species and the hybrids, eventually bringing all organisms under the umbrella of one species c. Two species that have recently diverged from each other can reproduce with each other, creating hybrid individuals that belong to the species of the parents鈥� common ancestor. d. If two species occupy the same niche in the same area, they can either compete or they can collaborate and reproduce with each other, eventually fusing into a single species.

Which type of speciation, allopatric or sympatric, is more common? Why? a. Allopatric speciation is more common because it prevents gene flow between the species. b. Allopatric speciation is more common because it involves stronger prezygotic barriers. c. Sympatric speciation is more common because it prevents gene flow between the species. d. Sympatric speciation is more common because it involves stronger prezygotic barriers.

Which of the following are two examples of vestigial structures? a. gills in fish and parts of the throat in humans b. butterfly wings and dragonfly wings c. hind leg bones in whales and leaves on some cacti d. shark fins and dolphin fins

Populations of a plant species have been found growing in the mountains at altitudes above 2,500 meters. Populations of a plant that appears similar, with slight differences, have been found in the same mountains at altitudes below 2,300 meters. Explain how the two types of data you suggested provide a direct answer to the question of whether speciation has taken place. a. If the plants become more similar when grown in the same environment, or if the high-altitude plants respond to low altitude in the same way that low-altitude plants have, and low-altitude plants respond to high altitude the same way that high- altitude plants have, then the two groups have the same underlying genetic structure and belong to one species. b. If the seeds from the plants can be cross fertilized and developed into fertile offspring, the two populations are not yet reproductively isolated and remain one species. If hybrid forms are found, the two populations are not reproductively isolated and hybrids are both viable and successful. c. If the genetic codes of the two plants are identical, then they must belong to the same species. Also, if genes transplanted between the plants function successfully, then the plants must be similar enough to each other to belong to the same species. d. If scientists are able to find the common ancestor of the two groups in the fossil record or in neighboring communities, then they can determine whether the plants have diverged into separate species or remain a single species.

Which statement best describes the relationship between the theory of evolution and the origin of life? a. The theory includes an explanation of life鈥檚 origins. b. The theory cannot explain the origin of life. c. The theory does not try to explain the origin of life. d. The theory does not contribute understanding to pre-life processes.
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