Evidence for Evolution

Question 1

What is the theory of evolution?

Answer 1

The theory that species change over time through a process of natural selection.

Question 2

True or False: Evolution can be observed directly in laboratory settings.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The concept of common descent suggests that all living organisms share a ________ ancestor.

Answer 3

common

Question 4

What evidence supports the theory of evolution through fossil records?

Answer 4

Fossils show a chronological sequence of life forms and transitional species.

Question 5

Which type of evidence for evolution involves the study of anatomical structures?

Answer 5

Comparative anatomy

Question 6

True or False: Vestigial structures are remnants of organs that had a function in ancestral species.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

What is homologous structure?

Answer 7

Structures in different species that share a common ancestry but may have different functions.

Question 8

What is the main mechanism proposed by Charles Darwin for evolution?

Answer 8

Natural selection

Question 9

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT considered evidence for evolution? A) Fossils B) DNA similarities C) Static species D) Biogeography

Answer 9

C) Static species

Question 10

What role does genetic variation play in evolution?

Answer 10

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Question 11

True or False: Molecular biology has provided strong evidence for evolution.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The study of the geographical distribution of species is known as ________.

Answer 12

biogeography

Question 13

What is the significance of transitional fossils?

Answer 13

They provide evidence of the gradual changes that occur over time between species.

Question 14

Which scientist is known for the theory of punctuated equilibrium?

Answer 14

Stephen Jay Gould

Question 15

What is an example of artificial selection?

Answer 15

Breeding dogs for specific traits.

Question 16

True or False: All living organisms have DNA, which supports the idea of common descent.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

What does the term ‘adaptive radiation’ refer to?

Answer 17

The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.

Question 18

What is the significance of conserved genes across different species?

Answer 18

They indicate a shared evolutionary history.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: The process by which species evolve in response to changes in their environment is called ________.

Answer 19

adaptation

Question 20

What is a key element of the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory?

Answer 20

Integration of Mendelian genetics with Darwinian evolution.

Question 21

what is macro-evolution

Answer 21

it refers to larger changes over a long-time scale

Question 22

what are 5 evidences for evolution

Answer 22

1. anatomy
2. fossils
3. natural history
4. embryology
5. biogeography

Question 23

what is homology

Answer 23

the relationship of any two traits that have descended from a common ancestral trait

Question 24

what is analogy

Answer 24

The relationship of any two traits that have descended from “unrelated” ancestors through convergent evolution

Question 25

what can the concept of homology also apply to

Answer 25

genes, proteins and so on

Question 26

what type of rock are fossils generally found in

Answer 26

sedimentary rock

Question 27

how do you calculate the date of formation of igneous rock

Answer 27

using radioactive isotopes decay

Question 28

what are vestigial traits

Answer 28

A trait of a species that was an adaptation in its ancestors, but that has either: * lost its usefulness completely * has been adopted for new uses. e.g. ostrich wings

Question 29

in what circumstances would birds wings not be used

Answer 29

- No predators - Food readily obtained on the ground

Question 30

what would happen if birds wings are not used for the intended purposes

Answer 30

➔ Flight energy can be diverted to reproduction or food ➔ Reduce chance of injuries Natural selection would directly favour mutations that led to progressively smaller wings, resulting in an inability to fly.

Question 31

5 examples of vestigial traits

Answer 31

- Wisdom teeth * Human tailbone * Goosebumps - wings of flightless birds - snake pelvis and femur

Question 32

how does embryology provide evidence of evolution

Answer 32

Embryos of different species can have similarities that are not visible when the organisms are fully formed

Question 33

what is biogeography

Answer 33

the study of what organisms live where on earth and why

Question 34

what is a biome

Answer 34

A biome is an area classified according to the species that live in that location

Question 35

what is convergent evolution

Answer 35

The evolution of structures that are similar, but NOT originated by common ancestry, due to similar selective pressures. e.g. marsupial vs placental animals

Question 36

what is adaptive radiation

Answer 36

an event in which a lineage rapidly diversifies, with the newly formed lineages evolving different adaptations/species