Evolution

Question 1

What was one of the earliest theories of evolution?

Answer 1

Inheritance of acquired traits - theorised by Jean Baptiste Lamarck (early 1800s)

Question 2

Use an example to describe Lamarck’s theory

Answer 2

If giraffes had to stretch their necks to reach leaves, their offspring would inherit longer necks.

Question 3

What did Robet Chambers propose in 1840s and 1850s?

Answer 3

Transmutation of species
(species change over time to produce new species and are not fixed and unchanging)

Question 4

Define evolution.

Answer 4

The concept that species can change and give rise over time to new forms (descent with modification)

Question 5

What was Darwin’s theory of evolution?

Answer 5

That all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual’s ability to compete, survive and reproduce

Question 6

What is the Neo-Darwinian theory of evolution?

Answer 6

Theory that species evolve by natural selection acting on genetic variation. In this theory:
Organisms produce more offspring than can survive
Organisms have a variety of phenotypes
Many variations within an organism are controlled by genes
Natural selection keeps species adapted to their environments
New species may arise by isolation of populations with different selection pressures.

Question 7

Define mircroevolution

Answer 7

A change in gene frequency within a population over a succession of generations

Question 8

Define macroevolution

Answer 8

Major evolutionary change at or above the level of species over geological time