Darwin and Wallace

Question 1

What theory did Charles Darwin come up with?

Answer 1

The theory of evolution by natural selection.

Question 2

How many years did Darwin spend on a voyage around the world, studying plants and animals?

Answer 2

5 years.

Question 3

What was the name of the ship Darwin was on, on his voyage around the world?

Answer 3

HMS Beagle.

Question 4

What did Darwin notice while studying plants and animals?

Answer 4

• There was variation in members of the same species, and that those with characteristics most suited to the environment were more likely to survive.
• Characteristics could be passed on to offspring.

Question 5

What did observations did Wallace make to support the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Answer 5

He realised that warning colours are used by some species (e.g. butterflies) to deter predators from eating them - a beneficial characteristic that had evolved by natural selection.

Question 6

What three areas of biology has the theory of evolution affected?

Answer 6

• Classification
• Antibiotic resistance
• Conservation

Question 7

What is classification?

Answer 7

• If all living organisms have descended from a common ancestor, then we’re all related in some way.
• We now classify organisms based on how closely related they are.

Question 8

What is antibiotic resistance?

Answer 8

• We now understand the importance of finishing the course of drugs to prevent resistance spreading.
• We know we need to constantly develop new antibiotics to fight newly evolved resistant bacteria.

Question 9

What is conservation?

Answer 9

• We now understand the importance of genetic diversity and how it helps populations adapt to changing environments.
• This has led to conservation projects to protect species.