B1.8 Evolution

Question 1

Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection states that all species of living things have evolved from…

Answer 1

…simple life forms (that first developed more than three billion years ago)

Question 2

Why was the theory of evolution by natural selection was only gradually accepted? (3)

Answer 2

• CHALLENGED CREATIONISM (God made animals and plants)
• LACK OF VALID EVIDENCE when published
• Mechanism of inheritance+variation unknown (for another 50 years)

Question 3

What idea was Lamarck’s theory mostly based on?

Answer 3

Changes that occur in an organism during its lifetime can be inherited

Question 4

What does studying the similarities and differences between organisms allow us to do? (2)

Answer 4

• CLASSIFY living organisms into animals, plants and microorganisms
• UNDERSTAND evolutionary/ecological relationships

Question 5

What do models of organisms allow us to do?

Answer 5

Suggest relationships between organisms

Question 6

What happens during natural selection? (3)

Answer 6

• Organisms show a wide range of VARIATION because of genetic differences
• Indv. with BEST-SUITED characteristics=more likely to survive to breed successfully
• The genes that have enabled survival are PASSED ON to next gen

Question 7

What happens when new forms of a gene result from mutation and the environment changes?

Answer 7

There may be relatively rapid change in a species

Question 8

In what two situations could there be a rapid change in species?

Answer 8

When new forms of a gene result from MUTATIONS and if the ENVIRONMENT CHANGES

Question 9

What are the basics of natural selection? (9 words total)

Answer 9

• Show VARIATION
• BEST-SUITED breed
• Survival genes PASSED ON