Evidence of Common Ancestry Practice Test

Two organisms—a whale and a bat—have forelimbs with the same set of bones (humerus, radius, ulna, wrist bones, and finger bones) arranged in a similar pattern, even though they use them for swimming and flying. Which statement about common ancestry is supported by this evidence?

Use the shared bone pattern as your evidence and explain your reasoning to yourself before choosing.

A museum display shows a sequence of fossils of ancient whales. Older fossils have small hind limb bones connected to the pelvis; younger fossils have much smaller hind limb bones; modern whales have tiny pelvis and hind limb remnants not used for walking. Which evidence suggests common ancestry between whales and land mammals?

Choose the option that uses inherited structures and comparison across time.