5.1 Evidence for evolution

Question 1

What is evolution?

Answer 1

when characteristics of species change over time.

Question 2

Distinguish between acquired characteristics and heritable characteristics.

Answer 2

An important distinction should be drawn between acquired characteristics that develop during the lifetime of an individual and heritable characteristics that are passed from parent to offspring.

Question 3

How does the fossil record provide evidence for evolution?

Answer 3

the sequence of fossils matches the sequence of evolution of organisms
the sequence also fits the ecology of the groups

Question 4

How does homologous structure provide evidence for evolution?

Answer 4

if a structure is said to be homologous to another, it means that these structures share the same origin and ancestral form. It does not mean that the structures have the same function.

Question 5

How does the selective breeding provide evidence for evolution?

Answer 5

artificial selection occurs when selecting and breeding individuals suited for human uses.

Question 6

What is speciation?

Answer 6

when the separated populations of the same species do not interbreed and have evolved into separate species.

Question 7

How does continuous variation across the geographical range of related populations match the concept of gradual divergence?

Answer 7

If populations gradually diverge over time to become separate species, then at any one moment we would expect to be able to find examples of all stages of divergence. - evidence for evolution of species and the origin of new species