Block 1 - Evolution and natural selection

Question 1

What theory explains the adaptions of organisms and the unity and diversity of life?

Answer 1

Descent with modification by natural selection - Darwin’s definition of evolution

Question 2

What is the process by which humans have modified other species by selecting and breeding inviduals with desired traits?

Answer 2

Artifical selection

Question 3

What is homology?

Answer 3

Similarity resulting from common ancestry - anatomical resemblences that represent varitions on a structural theme present in a common ancestor

Vestigial structures are remnants of features that served a function in the organisms ancestors

Question 4

What is convergent evolution?

Answer 4

The evolution of similar or analogous features in distantly related groups

These traits arise when groups independenly adapt to similar environments in similar ways

Question 5

Endemic species

Answer 5

Only found in that area - lots of islands have endemic species that are closely related to species on nearby islands or nearby mainlands.