B1 - Evolution Flashcards
What was Lamarck’s theory of evolution?
- All organisms were linked by a fountain of life.
- Useful changes were developed.
- Useless features shrunk and were lost.
What is the theory of evolution?
All species evolved from simple life forms that first developed 3 billion years ago.
Why wasn’t Lamarck’s theory of evolution widely accepted?
- There was no evidence of the fountain of life.
- People didn’t like the idea of being descended form worms.
- People saw changes weren’t necessarily passed on to their children.
Explain natural selection.
- Reproduction gives more offspring than the environment can support.
- Only those with inherited features most suited to the environment survived.
- When they breed, the useful characteristic genes are passed on.
Why did it take so long for Darwin to publish his ideas?
He needed to amount a considerable sum of evidence.
Give three examples of evidence that Darwin used to support his theory of natural selection.
- The organisms on different islands.
- Breeding experiments with pigeons.
- Study of barnacles.
Give three reasons Darwin’s ideas not accepted quickly.
- The theory of evolution challenged the idea of God.
- Scientists didn’t think there was enough evidence.
- There was no way to explain why variety and inheritance happened.
What is a mutation?
Change in the genetic material which results in a new form of gene.
What is classification?
The organisation of living things into groups according to their similarities.
Why is classification useful?
It helps scientists understand evolutionary and ecological relationships.
What is the biggest group in a classification system?
Kingdoms.
How are organisms put into kingdoms?
They have many differences but some fundamental similarities.
What is the smallest group in a classification system?
Species
What is an evolutionary tree?
A classification which shows the evolutionary links between organisms.
What is an ecological relationship?
How species have evolved together in an environment.
