Evolution
Argumentation and Evolution
In a scientific argument, claims about the natural world should be supported or refuted by evidence, and by reas…
Item CA047002: The fact that fish cells and algae both have DNA can be used as evidence that they share a common ancestor. (Identify valid evidence and sound reasoning to support a claim.)
A researcher makes the claim:
"Algae and fish share a common ancestor"
Which of the following statements provide valid evidence and sound reasoning to support this claim?
- Algae and fish both live in the ocean. The place where organisms live can be used as evidence that they share a common ancestor.
- Algae and fish are composed of matter. Being made of matter can be used as evidence that two organisms share a common ancestor.
- Fish are able to eat algae. A predator-prey relationship can be used to determine whether two organisms share a common ancestor.
- Fish cells and algae both have DNA. Whether an organism has DNA can be used as evidence that they share a common ancestor.
- Distribution of Responses
- Points Earned
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 226 | 580 | 39% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 15 | 25 | 60% |
| 9–12 | 192 | 514 | 37% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 95 | 254 | 37% |
| Female | 113 | 286 | 40% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 204 | 526 | 39% |
| Other | 5 | 13 | 38% |
- Distribution of Responses
- Points Earned
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 125 | 255 | 49% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 8 | 15 | 53% |
| 9–12 | 99 | 195 | 51% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 43 | 97 | 44% |
| Female | 66 | 119 | 55% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 104 | 205 | 51% |
| Other | 4 | 6 | 67% |
- Distribution of Responses
- Points Earned
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 174 | 301 | 58% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 4 | 8 | 50% |
| 9–12 | 159 | 274 | 58% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 80 | 134 | 60% |
| Female | 82 | 150 | 55% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 158 | 274 | 58% |
| Other | 5 | 9 | 56% |