Biology 6.3.1

Question 1

What did Charles Darwin Propose?

Answer 1

Charles Darwin Proposed the ‘Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection’.

Question 2

Explain Darwin’s Theory, very Simply: (4)

Answer 2

-Individuals in a Species Show a Wide Range of Variation, Caused by Differences in Genes.

-Individuals with Characteristics Most Suited to the Environment Have a Higher Chance of Survival, & so More Chances to Reproduce, & Pass On these Good Genes.

-Therefore, these Characteristics are Passed to their Offspring at a Higher Rate than those with Characteristics Less Suited to Survival.

-Over Many Generations, these Beneficial Characteristics become More Common in the Population, & the Species Changes: the Species Evolves.

Question 3

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was only Gradually Accepted Because: (5)

Answer 3

-Much Controversy Surrounding these Revolutionary New Ideas.

-The Theory Challenges Religious Views of Creation.

-Insufficient Evidence.

-The Mechanism of Inheritance & Variation was not Known Until 50 Years Later.

-The Theory Developed Over Time.

Question 4

What is ‘Lamarck’s Theory of Evolution’?

Answer 4

Lamarck’s Theory of Evolution was Based Mainly on the Idea that Changes that Occur in an Organism, During its Lifetime, Can be Inherited by its Offspring.