Science Assessment ~ Topics ~ Common Ancestry ~ NGSS Link LS4.A-H.1

Genetic information, like the fossil record, provides evidence of evolution. DNA sequences vary among species, but there are many overlaps; in fact, the ongoing branching that produces multiple lines of descent can be inferred by comparing the DNA sequences of different organisms. Such information is also derivable from the similarities and differences in amino acid sequences and from anatomical and embryological evidence.

Items associated with this NGSS statement in this project (Evolution) and key idea (Similarities and differences in inh…)
Item ID Number	Item Description	Select This Item for My Item Bank
CA012001	Identify the diagram that most likely depicts the ancestry of lizards, toads, and dogs if the DNA of lizards and dogs is more similar than the DNA of lizards and toads.
CA006002	Comparing DNA sequences of new strains of the Chikungunya virus to the original strain can be used to determine the DNA sequence of their most recent common ancestor.
CA025002	Many of the same genes code for homologous traits (forelimbs) across different species.
CA011002	If the DNA of Species X and Species Y is more similar than the DNA of Species X and Species Z, then Species X and Species Y have a more recent common ancestor than Species X and Species Z.
CA026004	Many of the same genes code for homologous traits (forelimbs) across different species.
CA034002	Organisms whose DNA sequences for a certain gene are more similar than those of another organism, are also more closely related.
CA009004	If the DNA of lizards and dogs is more similar than the DNA of lizards and toads, lizards and dogs share a more recent common ancestor than lizards and toads.
CA032003	Different species can have similar genes for similar traits because they inherit them from a common ancestor.
CA010002	If the DNA of jellyfish and insects is more similar than the DNA of jellyfish and plants, then jellyfish and insects share a more recent common ancestor than jellyfish and insects.
CA024003	Many of the same genes code for homologous traits (forelimbs) across different species.
CA017003	Organisms that have more traits in common are also more genetically similar.
CA040003	Scientists can use similarities in the embryos of two animal species to help determine how closely they are related.

Items associated with this NGSS statement in this project (Evolution) and other key ideas
AE043005	Write an argument using correct evidence and sound reasoning to support a claim that chimpanzees and gorillas have a more recent common ancestry than chimpanzees and orangutans because their average genetic similarity is greater.