Evidence For Evolution Flashcards
What did John Endlers study show?
Colour action in fish can be changed at population level by predation pressure. Natural selection produces fish which are not so colourful as they cannot be spotted as easily by larger fish
How does biogeography provide evidence of evolution? (Reference to ratites)
Distribution of animals is consistent with tectonic plate movements. Ostriches, emus and rheas all stem from common ancestor but were separated when Pangaea broke up, they become isolated and evolved into distinct species
How does the fossil record provide evidence of evolution?
Direct record of past organisms that can be put in a time frame.
Where are fossils most commonly found
Aquatic environments
What is Homologous characteristic?
The similarity of structures from a common ancestor
How can origins been seen with homology?
As species become more distantly related their differences are more evident
What are similarities in embryo vertebrates?
Gill slits
Tail bone
What are the 7 lines of enquiry evidence may come from?
Direct experiment Biogeography Fossil record Homology, vestigial structures, homoplasy Embryology Comparative behaviour and biochem Hierarchical organisation of life
What are vestigeal structure?
Poorly developed in some organisms, bit fully developed in others.
What is a homoplastic characteristic?
Similar in appearance and function but are fundamentally different as have separate evolutionary origins
