Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution via Natural Selection

Question 1

What are the four key points in Darwin’s theory of evolution

Answer 1

1. in any population there are variations
2. characteristics of offspring that do not reach maturity and reproduce are removed from the population
3. Organisms that survive are well adapted to the environment. They variations are favourable.
4. Favourable variations are passed on to offspring and become more common in a population.

Question 2

Outline two pieces of evidence for evolution by Charles Darwin

Answer 2

Galapagos Finches: populations of finches that colonised an island adapted differently shaped beaks based on food supply. For example thicker crushing bills were needed for tough seeds.

Australian Flora and Fauna: unique flora and fauna as australia is isolated and has unique selection pressures. Eg. potoroo is similar to a rabbit. Unique selection pressures meant unique organisms such as the platypus