Question

tracker - pangolin
a. developmental evidence (embryos / larvae)
what pattern do you notice?
•
•
•
so what? this supports common ancestry
because

b. anatomical evidence (structures)
homologous: same underlying structure, different
function
analogous: similar function, different origin
vestigial: remnant structure from ancestors

homologous example + why it matters:
•
•

analogous or vestigial example (choose 1):
•
•

c. molecular / genetic evidence
use dna, proteins, rrna, pseudogenes, mtdna
(bullets).
•
•
•
•

so what? greater similarity suggests

d. classification is a work in progress
why can scientists change classifications over
time?

• new species or fossils are discovered
• new technology allows better data (example:

dna tools)

• scientists reinterpret old evidence with new

patterns

write 2 bullets tied to pangolin or animals you
know:
•
•

my pangolin claim (1 sentence): pangolins are most closely related to because
.

best evidence today (circle 1): developmental / anatomical / molecular / cladogram

word bank (use at least 3 later in reasoning): pattern, common ancestry, developmental similarity,
embryo, homologous, analogous, vestigial, dna, protein, mutation, taxonomy, cladogram

Explanation:

Section A (Developmental Evidence)

• Patterns are based on typical embryonic similarities across vertebrates. The link to common ancestry is shared developmental blueprints.

Section B (Anatomical Evidence)

• Homologous example uses a structure shared with pangolins' relatives; vestigial example uses a non-functional remnant structure.

Section C (Molecular/Genetic Evidence)

• Points are common genetic markers used to compare relatedness; similarity links to shared ancestry.

Section D (Classification is a Work in Progress)

• Examples are tied to pangolin-specific taxonomic updates or new discoveries.

Final Claim & Evidence

• The claim uses established genetic data linking pangolins to carnivorans, with molecular evidence being the most robust modern tool.

Answer:

A. Developmental Evidence (Embryos / Larvae)

What pattern do you notice?

• Early embryos have similar body plans
• Shared tail/gill slit structures early on
• Developmental stages follow identical sequence

So what? This supports common ancestry because shared embryonic blueprints come from shared genes.

B. Anatomical Evidence (Structures)

Homologous example + why it matters:

• Pangolin forelimb bones match cat forelimbs
• Shows shared tetrapod ancestor bone structure

Analogous or vestigial example (choose 1):

• Vestigial: Pangolin pelvic spurs (non-functional)
• Remnant of hindlimb structures from ancestors

C. Molecular / Genetic Evidence

• High DNA similarity between pangolins and carnivorans
• Shared pseudogenes related to tooth development
• Matching protein sequences in blood clotting factors
• Conserved rRNA gene sequences across close relatives

So what? Greater similarity suggests more recent shared ancestry.

D. Classification Is a Work in Progress

Write 2 bullets tied to pangolin or animals you know:

• New pangolin fossil finds in Africa shifted their taxonomic grouping from edentates to carnivorans
• DNA sequencing revealed tree pangolins are a distinct species from previously grouped Asian pangolins

My pangolin claim (1 sentence): Pangolins are most closely related to carnivorans (cats, dogs, bears) because their molecular DNA sequences show higher similarity to this group than to edentates.

Best evidence today (circle 1): molecular