Evolution Flashcards
State what is meant by evolution.
The theory that the animal and plant species living today descended from species that existed in the past.
Describe what a fossil is.
The remains of plans or animals that lived many years ago that have turned to stone.
Describe the process of natural selection.
Variation, survival of the fittest, reproduction, repetition.
Name the process by which organisms evolve.
Natural selection.
Name the organism that Darwin studied on the Galapagos Islands.
Finches
State three pieces of evidence that support Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Fossil record, antibiotic resistant bacteria and extinction.
Explain how Darwin’s finches provide evidence for evolution by natural selection.
The finch species on different islands had different shaped beaks that were adapted to the food they ate.
Explain what it means to say that living things are adapted to their habitats?
This means that they have special features that help them to survive.
Explain how the fossil record provides evidence for evolution by natural selection.
The fossil record provides evidence that organisms have changed over time.
Explain how extinction provides evidence for evolution by natural selection.
Species that do not adapt to environmental changes die out.
What is meant by peer review?
The evaluation of a scientist’s work by another scientist.
Explain what is meant by the phrase ‘survival of the fittest’.
Organisms with the characteristics that are best adapted to the environment survive and reproduce. Less well adapted organisms die.
Can organisms in a species show variation?
Yes.
Complete the sentence: All living organisms have ________ from a common ancestor.
evolved
Name a scientist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Charles Darwin, Alfred Wallace
What is meant by the term extinct?
When no more individuals of a species remain anywhere in the world.
Before publishing their theories of evolution by natural section, Darwin and Wallace checked each other’s work. What is this process called?
Peer review
Explain the difference between evolution and natural selection.
Evolution is the theory that animals and plants have descended from a common ancestor, natural selection is the process by which evolution occurs.
Complete the sentence: Organisms in a species show _______ - this is caused by differences in their genes.
Variation, survival of the fittest, reproduction, repetition.
Complete the sentence: _______ causes genes from successful organisms are passed to their offspring in the next generation. This means the offspring are likely to possess the same successful characteristics as their parents.
Reproduction
