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5. Evolution and Biodiversity > Evidence of evolution > Flashcards

Evidence of evolution Flashcards

1
Q

What is evolution?

A
  • The cumulative changes in allele frequencies within a population over time
  • Over multiple generations
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2
Q

What shows that evolution occured? What influences characteristics?

A
  • When the heritable characteristics of a species change over time
  • Heritable characteristics are encoded for by genes, transferred as alleles
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3
Q

When does something provide evidence for evolution?

A
  • When it demonstrates a change in characteristics from an ancestral form
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4
Q

In what way do fossil records provide evidence for evolution?

A
  • Show that over time changes have occurred in the features of living organisms
  • Features of an ancestor compared against living descendants
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5
Q

Give 2 examples of the way fossil records provided evidence for evolution.

A
  1. Direct evidence: Preserve remains of ancestral forms such as bones, teeth, shells
  2. Indirect evidence: Traces of ancestral forms such as footprints, tooth marks, faeces
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6
Q

What can be observed from sedimentary rock layers?

A
  • The layers (strata) develop in chronological order (new at top)
  • Dead organisms are trapped in the strata, harder material (bone) preserved
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7
Q

What is the law of fossil succession?

A
  • The ordered succession of fossils in the sedimentary rock suggests newer species evolved because of changes to ancestral species
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8
Q

What are transitional fossils?

A
  • Fossils that show links between ancestral groups
  • Only hard parts preserved, fossil record is incomplete
  • Transitional fossils show the intermediate forms that occurred over the evolution pathway
  • Establish links between ancestors and species that share common traits
    E.g. archaeopteryx (dinosaurs)
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9
Q

What is selective breeding?

A
  • A form of artificial selection, humans intervene in the breeding of species to produce desired traits in offspring
  • Breeding animals with desired trait, increases trait frequency in next generations
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10
Q

How does selective breeding provide evidence of evolution?

A
  • Targeted breeds can show significant variation in a short period
  • Changes within a species can be seen due to genetic selection
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11
Q

How does selective breeding of domesticated animals show how artificial selection cause evolution?

A
  • Dog breeds show a lot of variety due to the targeted selection of particular traits by humans
  • Ancestors, wolves, similar physical features
  • Dogs bred for traits to benefit humans
  • Hunting dogs: small to enter fox holes (beagles)
  • Herding dogs: heightened intelligence for commands (sheep dogs)
  • Racing dogs: sleek and fast (greyhounds)
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12
Q

What is a breed?

A
  • Group of animals within a species that have specific and similar characteristics
  • Strong evidence for microevolution, time efficient
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13
Q

What can comparative anatomy of groups of organisms show? Define homologous structures.

A
  • Show structural features that are similar, implying common ancestry
  • Homologous structures: anatomical features that are similar in structure, position or origin but used in different ways
  • More similar homologous structures between two species, more closely related
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14
Q

What is divergent evolution?

A
  • An accumulation of differences between groups which led to the formation of new species e.g. pentadactyl limb
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15
Q

What is adaptive radiation?

A
  • Form of microevolution within a species that uses the same structure for different functions due to their varying environmental niches (homologous structures)
  • New species rapidly diversify from ancestral source
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16
Q

What is the pentadactyl limb?

A
  • A limb with five digits found in amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
  • Homologous structure (same position, structure)
  • Animal limbs may be differently adapted according to the use of it
  • Human hands used for tool manipulation, grip. Birds adapted for flying, whale fins for swimming
17
Q

What is the difference between divergent and convergent evolution?

A
  • Convergent, different origin (ancestors) but the structures develop to resemble each other and have the same function
  • Divergent, same origin (ancestor) but the end point have different structures and functions
18
Q

What does analogous mean? Give an example.

A
  • Performing similar function but have different evolutionary origin (convergent)
    E.g. whale and shark fins for swimming
19
Q

What type of variation is the genetic variation in a population?

A
  • Continuous, follows a normal distribution curve. Rate of change is gradual
  • A wide range of characteristics for each trait, CANNOT be put into distinct categories
  • Characteristics that display continuous variation are influenced by the environment
20
Q

For the rest check book

A

5. Evolution and Biodiversity (4 decks)

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