1.5 - Evolution

Question 1

What is natural selection?

Answer 1

The process by which inherited characteristics make it more likely for an organism to survive and successfully reproduce

Question 2

What is evolution?

Answer 2

The change in the genetic material of a population of organisms from one generation to the next

Question 3

What is Charles Darwin’s natural selection theory?

Answer 3

1. Most animals have more offspring than can survive
2. Individuals show variation due to mutations
3. Individuals who inherit the beneficial mutation gene are more likely to survive and reproduce
4. These offspring will live longer and have more offspring
5. The population with the genes will predominate until all the individuals have the gene and the species will have evolved

Question 4

Why is heritable variation the basis for evolution?

Answer 4

Because individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to breed and reproduce so offspring in the next fen will inherit them

Question 5

How do anti-biotic resistant bacteria show evolution?

Answer 5

They never used to be resistant but mutations caused them to be

Question 6

What are some reasons for extinction?

Answer 6

• new diseases
• climate change
• new predators
• pollution