Evidence For Evolution Flashcards
What does evolution refer to in biological terms?
Genetic change over time (change in allele frequencies) in a population
What are the three conditions for evolution by natural selection?
- Heritable characters
- Characters vary between individuals
- Differential fitness (survival, reproduction) between individuals
True or False: All evolution is caused by natural selection.
False
What is ‘speciation’?
The process by which species divide and change
What type of evidence supports the theory of evolution?
- Fossils
- Imperfection in development
- Biogeography
- Molecular genetics
- Natural selection in action
Who proposed the idea that species vary over time?
Comte de Buffon
What concept did Jean-Baptiste Lamarck contribute to evolution?
Evolution by acquired characters
What is the significance of the fossil record in understanding evolution?
Fossils show evolutionary change and evidence of extinction
What does ‘bad design’ in evolution refer to?
Features that appear imperfect or suboptimal due to evolutionary processes
What is the left recurrent laryngeal nerve an example of?
A vestige from our reptilian past and an example of bad design
What is Tiktaalik roseae known for?
Being a missing link that shows the transition from fish to tetrapods
Fill in the blank: Natural selection _______ but does not _______.
tinkers; design
What is the role of natural selection in evolution?
Natural selection is the only consistent force leading to adaptations
Which medical conditions can be explained by evolution?
- COVID-19
- Antibiotic resistance
- Cancer
What is the evolutionary significance of trilobites?
They provide evidence of evolutionary change over time and extinction
What does ‘molecular genetics’ contribute to the evidence for evolution?
It shows genetic similarities and differences that reflect evolutionary relationships
What are the geological periods related to?
Mass extinctions related to climate change
What does the term ‘differential fitness’ mean?
The variation in survival and reproduction rates among individuals
Name one example of ‘bad design’ in anatomy.
Left recurrent laryngeal nerve’s long pathway
What are the main types of evidence for evolution?
- Fossils
- Imperfection (development, bad ‘design’)
- Biogeography
- Natural selection in action
- Molecular genetics
What is biogeography?
The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.
What is a significant observation about native species on oceanic islands?
- Often have specific adaptations
- Similar to species on the nearest land-mass
What is convergent evolution?
Distantly related species show similar adaptations due to similar selection pressures, despite different underlying genetic factors.
What is ‘carcinisation’?
The process where non-crab-like decapod crustaceans evolve a crab shape.
What impact did human activity have on island biogeography?
Modern island biogeography is increasingly affected by human intervention.
What phenomenon was observed in lizards after Hurricane Irma?
Average lizard had bigger toe pads, longer arms, and shorter hind legs.
True or False: Natural selection always leads to evolution.
False
What is the role of DNA in evolution?
DNA is the sole and universal carrier of the genetic code, showing existence of a common ancestor.
What does the molecular clock measure?
It correlates coding differences in proteins with divergence derived from fossil data.
What percentage of olfactory receptor genes are pseudogenes in cetaceans?
68%
What is lactase persistence?
The continued production of lactase in humans, allowing for milk digestion.
What does neutral theory explain?
It explains that many mutations in non-coding regions evolve randomly and are selectively neutral.
Fill in the blank: The genetic code is _______.
redundant
What is a common misconception about mutations?
Not all mutations are selected; some are neutral and do not change the amino acid.
What is the significance of non-coding regions in genetics?
They provide the best molecular clocks for studying evolution.
