Evidence of Evolutoion Flashcards
What is the primary evidence of evolution?
Fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and biogeography.
True or False: The fossil record shows a gradual change in species over time.
True.
Fill in the blank: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time is called _______.
Biogeography.
What is comparative anatomy?
The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species.
Which type of anatomical structure is a vestigial structure?
A body part that has lost its original function through evolution.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence for evolution? A) Fossils B) DNA sequences C) Weather patterns D) Homologous structures
C) Weather patterns.
What do homologous structures indicate?
Common ancestry among different species.
True or False: Molecular biology provides evidence of evolution through the comparison of DNA and protein sequences.
True.
Fill in the blank: The process by which unrelated organisms evolve similar traits due to similar environments is called _______.
Convergent evolution.
What is the significance of transitional fossils?
They provide evidence of the evolutionary links between different groups of organisms.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of artificial selection? A) Natural selection in a forest B) Breeding dogs for specific traits C) Evolution of antibiotic resistance D) None of the above
B) Breeding dogs for specific traits.
What does the theory of punctuated equilibrium propose?
Evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability.
True or False: The similarities in embryonic development among different species provide evidence for common ancestry.
True.
Fill in the blank: The concept that all living organisms share a common ancestor is known as _______.
Universal common descent.
What role does genetic variation play in evolution?
It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a homologous structure? A) Whale flipper and bat wing B) Butterfly wing and bird wing C) Human arm and octopus tentacle D) None of the above
A) Whale flipper and bat wing.
What is adaptive radiation?
The process by which a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into a wide variety of forms to adapt to different environments.
True or False: Evidence of evolution can only be found in fossils.
False.
Fill in the blank: The study of how organisms interact with their environment and each other is known as _______.
Ecology.
What is the significance of DNA and RNA comparisons in evolutionary biology?
They reveal the genetic relationships and evolutionary history among organisms.
Multiple choice: Which scientist is known for the theory of evolution by natural selection? A) Gregor Mendel B) Charles Darwin C) Louis Pasteur D) Albert Einstein
B) Charles Darwin.
What is the concept of fitness in evolutionary terms?
The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
True or False: Evolution is a goal-oriented process.
False.
Fill in the blank: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring is known as _______.
Natural selection.
