Evolution 1 - Introduction to Evolution

Question 1

What are the 2 common meanings of Theory? (2 points with a total of 4 subpoints)

Answer 1

1. Everyday meaning = an educated guess.
   a. In science, that is called a hypothesis or prediction.
2. Scientific meaning = an explanatory model that accounts for a VERY large body of evidence.
   a. Cell Theory
   b. Atomic Theory
   c. Theory of Gravity

Question 2

What is a scientific theory founded on?

Answer 2

Unlike tentative guesses, a scientific theory is found on a large body of evidence that gives scientists great confidence in the theory

Question 3

What does a scientific theory being founded on a large body of evidence, which gives scientists great confidence in the theory, not mean?

Answer 3

It does not mean that these theories are complete or perfectly accurate.

Question 4

What are all scientific theories considered as?

Answer 4

Tentative and open for revision and refinement as new evidence is gathered.

Question 5

Even though all scientific theories are tentative and open for revision and refinement as new evidence is gathered, what would scientists be shocked to find? (3 points)

Answer 5

-An animal without DNA.
-An atom without electrons.
-Or an apple that “fell up.”

Question 6

What does it mean when something is a fact?

Answer 6

It suggests that it is absolute, and not subject to change.

Question 7

What does science not like?

Answer 7

Absolutes

Question 8

What is the definition of a fact?

Answer 8

An observation that has been confirmed repeatedly and is accepted as true (although its truth is never final)

Question 9

What term do scientists prefer to use?

Answer 9

Observations

Question 10

Write how it change the tone of sentences that describe how the sky is blue. (2 points)

Answer 10

1. It is fact that the sky is blue.
2. I observe the sky is blue.

Question 11

Evolution Definition

Answer 11

The cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of populations that occurs over successive generations.

Question 12

Who cannot evolve?

Answer 12

Individuals cannot evolve?

Question 13

Why can’t individuals evolve?

Answer 13

Individuals cannot change their genes.

Question 14

Who can evolve?

Answer 14

Populations are the smallest unit that can evolve.

Question 15

Why can populations evolve?

Answer 15

Populations can have a shift in their gene pool.

Question 16

Why would populations evolve? (2 points)

Answer 16

-A population evolves so it can become better suited to its habitat.
-This would result in increased survival and a better chance of passing on characteristics to offspring.

Question 17

How long does evolution take place for?

Answer 17

It takes place over many generations.

Question 18

How does a population evolve?

Answer 18

A shift in the gene pool occurs so that individuals have a particular adaptation.

Question 19

Adaptation Definition

Answer 19

A particular structure, physiology, or behaviour that helps an organism survive and reproduce in a particular environment.

Question 20

What are examples of adaptation?

Answer 20

Examples of adaptations include camouflage, a superb sense of smell, and bill shape.

Question 21

What is the first misunderstanding/myth regarding evolution? (3 points)

Answer 21

-If humans evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?
-This is also related to the misunderstanding that evolution follows a linear path, that everything is trying to be human - NOT SO -
-There are many kinds of primates, each adapted to its own environment, just like there are many kinds of felines.

Question 22

What is the second misunderstanding/myth regarding evolution? (5 points)

Answer 22

Myth 2: Scientists regularly debate where evolution occurs.
-The only place debate occurs is in social setting, and is philosophical in nature.
-If any debate occurs among biologists, it’s often regarding specifics such as timing, or what animal is related to what, or when did a creature evolve and what is its origins.
-As a Theory, evolution is supported by a large body of evidence and is used to EXPLAIN new observations.
-Biologists would consider it a waste of time to debate this.

Question 23

What is the third misunderstanding/myth regarding evolution? (4 points)

Answer 23

Myth 3: -A person cannot believe in God and in evolution.
-There are many scientists who have religious beliefs.
-One does not necessarily preclude the other.
-To say that the two are incompatible is unfair to both scientists and people of faith.

Question 24

What is the fourth misunderstanding/myth regarding evolution? (3 points)

Answer 24

Myth 4: - Survival of the fittest encourages the strong to destroy the weak.
- The words, “strong” and “weak” are relative.
- Organisms do not have to be strong to survive

Question 25

What is the fifth misunderstanding/myth regarding evolution? (3 points)

Answer 25

Myth 5: -As organisms evolved, structures became more sophisticated and intelligent.
-For example, the retina is essentially backwards with blood vessels and nerve on the surface, creating a blind spot at the convergence of the retinal nerve.
-Also, as an example, the pharynx is a tube that connects the oral cavity to both the trachea and the esophagus.