Chapter 9.1 Darwin's Theory of Evolution

Question 1

What is evolution NOT?

Answer 1

1. A theory about the origin of life
2. A theory that implies life evolved randomly or by chance
3. A way for an individual organism to evolve during a single lifespan
4. Just a theory

Question 2

What year did Darwin’s voyage occur?

Answer 2

1831

Question 3

What ship did Darwin travel on?

Answer 3

HMS Beagle

Question 4

Where did Darwin’s voyage begin?

Answer 4

England

Question 5

Where did Darwin travel?

Answer 5

Around the world

Question 6

How long was Darwin’s voyage?

Answer 6

5 years

Question 7

What was Darwin’s job on the voyage?

Answer 7

To study the natural world

Question 8

On what islands did Darwin make many of his observations?

Answer 8

Galapagos Islands

Question 9

What were three of Darwin’s observations?

Answer 9

1. The world includes a tremendous diversity of living things throughout a wide range of habitats
2. Animal species, like those in the Galapagos Islands, that are related, can have different characteristics or occupy different habitats in the same area
3. Bones of animals that had died long ago were present

Question 10

What are fossils?

Answer 10

Preserved remains of ancient organisms

Question 12

What is the scientific theory of evolution that was developed by Darwin?

Answer 12

A theory which explains how modern organisms evolved over long periods of time by natural selection.

Question 13

What is a scientific theory?

Answer 13

A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations

Question 14

What is evolution?

Answer 14

The process of gradual change in a species over time

Question 15

What is adaptation?

Answer 15

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce

Question 16

What three species did Darwin study on the Galapagos Islands?

Answer 16

1. Galapagos tortoise
2. Marine iguana
3. Finch

Question 17

What characteristic of finches did Darwin study?

Answer 17

Beak size and shape

Question 18

What did Darwin observe about finch beaks that allowed them to adapt to the life they led?

Answer 18

Finches who ate seeds had strong, wide beaks

Finches who ate insects had sharp, needle-like beaks

Question 19

What is “The Origin of Species”?

Answer 19

A document published by Darwin which explained that evolution occurs through natural selection.

Question 20

What other scientist along with Darwin proposed an explanation for how evolution occurs?

Answer 20

Alfred Russel Wallace

Question 21

What is natural selection?

Answer 21

The process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same species.

Question 22

What factors affect natural selection?

Answer 22

1. Overproduction
2. Competition
3. Variations

Question 23

What is overproduction?

Answer 23

Most species produce far more offspring than can possibly survive.
Many do not survive due to limited resources (food, water, living space)

Question 24

What is an example of overproduction?

Answer 24

A female sea turtle may lay 100+ eggs, but not all survive

Question 25

How does competition affect natural selection?

Answer 25

Usually not direct fight between members of a species.

More indirect competition over limited resources.

Question 26

What is an example of competition as it relates to natural selection?

Answer 26

Some turtles may fail to find enough to eat. Only few will survive long enough to reproduce.

Question 27

What is variation?

Answer 27

Any difference in traits between individuals of the same species.

Question 28

Give an example of variation.

Answer 28

Some newly hatched turtles are able to swim faster than others.