Biology - Evolution Flashcards
Give reasons why Darwin’s theory wasn’t accepted
- It went against religious belief.
- He couldn’t explain why the new characteristics in organisms appeared. didn’t know anything about genes or mutations.
- Insufficient evidence.
What is a mutation?
A change in an organism’s DNA
What is an evolutionary tree and what does it show?
Sort of a family tree for different organisms. Shows common ancestors of different organisms.
Who came up with natural selection?
Charles Darwin
What is natural selection?
Species show variation because of certain organisms having differences in their genes (eg: some rabbits have longer ears than others)
Individuals with these characteristics can make them better adapted to their environment which allow them to survive and breed. so the genes are passed on throughout the species whilst the organisms without that characteristic DIE
What was Lanark’s theory?
Unlike Darwin’s idea of a mutation in the organism’s genes, Lanark believed that they developed the characteristics in their lifetimes. if it was used a lot by an organism it would develop. (eg: if a rabbit ran a lot it would develop longer legs). This new characteristic would be passed onto its offspring.
What is the difference between Ecological and Evolutionary relationships?
Evolutionary - how related different organisms are to each other.
Ecological - How different organisms interact with each other.
What can be used to classify organisms?
Similarities and differences between organisms.
Why do species with similar characteristics have similar genes.
They share a recent common ancestor.
