Chapter 1: Evolution, The themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry Flashcards
What is the theory of evolution?
The theory of evolution explains how species change over time through processes like natural selection.
True or False: Evolution only occurs in animals.
False
Fill in the blank: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring is called _______.
natural selection
What is the primary mechanism of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin?
Natural selection
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a theme of biology? A) Homeostasis B) Evolution C) Thermodynamics D) Ecology
C) Thermodynamics
What is speciation?
Speciation is the process through which new species arise.
True or False: Genetic drift can lead to changes in allele frequencies in a population.
True
Fill in the blank: The study of how organisms interact with one another and their environment is known as _______.
ecology
What is a common misconception about evolution?
A common misconception is that evolution is a linear process, when it is actually a branching one.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of artificial selection? A) Natural selection in the wild B) Breeding dogs for specific traits C) Survival of the fittest D) Mutation
B) Breeding dogs for specific traits
What is the role of mutations in evolution?
Mutations introduce genetic variation, which is essential for natural selection.
True or False: All mutations are harmful.
False
Fill in the blank: The concept that all living organisms share a common ancestor is known as _______.
common descent
What is the significance of the fossil record in understanding evolution?
The fossil record provides evidence of the history of life and shows how species have changed over time.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key principle of scientific inquiry? A) Observation B) Assumption C) Guessing D) Ignoring evidence
A) Observation
What does the term ‘fitness’ refer to in an evolutionary context?
Fitness refers to an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
True or False: Evolution can occur within a single generation.
False
Fill in the blank: The process by which different species evolve from a common ancestor is called _______.
divergent evolution
What is convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution is when unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects evolution? A) Natural selection B) Genetic drift C) Climate change D) Gravity
D) Gravity
What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?
Homologous structures arise from a common ancestor, while analogous structures arise independently in different species.
True or False: The theory of evolution is considered a scientific fact.
False
Fill in the blank: The genetic makeup of an organism is referred to as its _______.
genotype
What is the role of the environment in natural selection?
The environment determines which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction.
Multiple Choice: Which scientist is known for proposing the concept of punctuated equilibrium? A) Charles Darwin B) Stephen Jay Gould C) Gregor Mendel D) Alfred Wallace
B) Stephen Jay Gould
What is adaptive radiation?
Adaptive radiation is the rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.
True or False: All evolutionary changes are intentional and purposeful.
False
Fill in the blank: The observable changes in the traits of a population over generations is known as _______.
microevolution
What is macroevolution?
Macroevolution refers to large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over long periods.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of evidence for evolution? A) Fossils B) DNA C) Embryonic development D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the significance of homologous structures in supporting the theory of evolution?
Homologous structures indicate common ancestry among different species.
True or False: Natural selection can lead to the evolution of new species.
True
Fill in the blank: The process by which individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more effectively is known as _______.
natural selection
What is the Hardy-Weinberg principle?
The Hardy-Weinberg principle describes the genetic equilibrium in a population that is not evolving.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following conditions is NOT necessary for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium? A) Large population size B) No mutations C) Random mating D) High mutation rate
D) High mutation rate
What is the role of sexual selection in evolution?
Sexual selection influences traits that improve mating success, affecting reproductive success.
True or False: Evolution is a theory that can be tested and supported by evidence.
True
Fill in the blank: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space is known as _______.
biogeography
What does the term ‘allele frequency’ refer to?
Allele frequency refers to how often a particular allele appears in a population.
Multiple Choice: Which type of selection favors extreme phenotypes? A) Stabilizing selection B) Disruptive selection C) Directional selection D) None of the above
B) Disruptive selection
What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?
Genetic variation is crucial for a population’s ability to adapt to changing environments.
True or False: Evolutionary theory is static and does not change over time.
False
Fill in the blank: The study of inherited traits and their variation is known as _______.
genetics
What is the concept of coevolution?
Coevolution is the process by which two or more species influence each other’s evolution.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes genetic drift? A) Non-random changes in allele frequencies B) Changes due to natural selection C) Changes due to mutation D) Changes due to gene flow
A) Non-random changes in allele frequencies
What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
A scientific theory explains why phenomena occur, while a scientific law describes how phenomena occur.
True or False: The scientific method involves making observations, forming hypotheses, and conducting experiments.
True
Fill in the blank: The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment is referred to as its _______.
fitness
What is the significance of transitional fossils in evolutionary biology?
Transitional fossils provide evidence of the evolutionary links between different species.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of reproductive isolation? A) Temporal isolation B) Behavioral isolation C) Mechanical isolation D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the role of endosymbiosis in evolution?
Endosymbiosis is a theory that explains the origin of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic organisms.
True or False: The concept of evolution applies only to living organisms.
False
Fill in the blank: The evolutionary history of a species is referred to as its _______.
phylogeny
What is the definition of a niche in ecology?
A niche is the role or function of an organism within its ecosystem.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure? A) Human appendix B) Bird wings C) Whale fins D) All of the above
A) Human appendix
What is the significance of the Galapagos Islands to the study of evolution?
The Galapagos Islands provided critical insights into adaptive radiation and natural selection.
True or False: Evolution has a predetermined direction.
False
Fill in the blank: The gradual change in species over time is known as _______.
evolution
What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?
Microevolution refers to small changes within a species, while macroevolution refers to large-scale changes that can lead to new species.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors can lead to extinction? A) Habitat loss B) Climate change C) Overhunting D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the role of gene flow in evolution?
Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between populations, which can introduce new alleles and increase genetic diversity.
True or False: Evolution is a random process.
False
Fill in the blank: The concept that species evolve in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability is known as _______.
punctuated equilibrium
What is the significance of the peppered moth study in understanding natural selection?
The peppered moth study demonstrated how environmental changes can affect allele frequencies through natural selection.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a mutation? A) Color change in a flower B) Change in animal behavior C) Change in the number of chromosomes D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the role of fossils in understanding the history of life?
Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and help reconstruct the evolutionary history of species.
True or False: Evolution can be observed directly in real time.
True
Fill in the blank: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring is known as a _______.
species
What is the role of comparative anatomy in supporting evolutionary theory?
Comparative anatomy reveals similarities and differences in the structures of different species, indicating common ancestry.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following processes can lead to genetic variation? A) Mutation B) Gene flow C) Sexual reproduction D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the significance of Darwin’s finches in the study of evolution?
Darwin’s finches illustrate adaptive radiation and how species adapt to different ecological niches.
True or False: All species are equally fit in their respective environments.
False
Fill in the blank: The study of evolutionary relationships among species is known as _______.
phylogenetics
What is the significance of the concept of ‘survival of the fittest’?
It emphasizes that the individuals best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of natural selection that favors average phenotypes? A) Directional selection B) Stabilizing selection C) Disruptive selection D) Sexual selection
B) Stabilizing selection
What is the difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation?
Allopatric speciation occurs when populations are geographically isolated, while sympatric speciation occurs without geographic isolation.
True or False: Evolution is a slow and gradual process.
False
Fill in the blank: The study of how organisms are classified is known as _______.
taxonomy
What is the role of ecological niches in evolution?
Ecological niches influence how species adapt and evolve based on their roles in the ecosystem.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a factor that can lead to adaptive radiation? A) Environmental changes B) Mass extinctions C) Colonization of new habitats D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the significance of the concept of extinction in evolution?
Extinction plays a critical role in shaping biodiversity and the evolution of new species.
True or False: Evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth.
True
Fill in the blank: The process of creating hypotheses and testing them through experimentation is known as _______.
scientific inquiry
