B1.8 - Evolution

Question 1

What is the name of the theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin?

Answer 1

Natural selection

Question 2

Why was Darwin’s theory only gradually excepted?

Answer 2

It didn’t consider God as the creator of species. There was very little evidence for natural selection. Darwin could not explain how characteristics were passed from parent to offspring.

Question 3

How did Lamarck’s theory differ from Darwin’s?

Answer 3

He stated that the environment caused change in species, and that these changes were passed onto the offspring.

Question 4

Describe the process of natural selection

Answer 4

There is variation between the individuals of a species and in the offspring they produce. Characteristics are passed from one generation to the next. The individuals that are best adapted to the environment are the ones that survive and produce more offspring in the next generation.