Evolution

Question 1

what was Lamark’s incorrect theory of evolution?

Answer 1

the theory of inheritence of aquired characteristics

eg. giraffes stretched their necks to be long

Question 2

define adaptations

Answer 2

a characteristic of a organism that allows it to survive in its environment

structural, behavioural, physiological

Question 3

what is a structural adaptation?

Answer 3

an adaptation relating to something on the outside of an organism

eg. giraffe’s long neck

Question 4

what is a behavioural adaptation?

Answer 4

an adaptation relating to something the organism does (an action)

eg. hibernating during winter

Question 5

what is a physiological adaptation?

Answer 5

an adaptation relating to something on the inside of an organism

eg. fish being cold-blooded to live in cool water temperatures

Question 6

define the theory of evolution by natural selection

Answer 6

organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success

Question 7

who created the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Answer 7

Charles Darwin

Question 8

what are the principles/steps of ideas that led to the formation of the theory of evolution by natural selection?

4

Answer 8

1. There is VARIATION in the characteristics of a species.
2. Some characteristics allow members of the species to survive better in a particular environment - BEST SUITED (if the environment changes, the same characteristics may not be an advantage). - survival of the fittest
3. Members of the species with the favourable characteristic must have a mating advantage in REPRODUCTION. (allows the favourable characteristic to be passed on in genes to the next generation).
4. Over time, in successive generations, more members of the species show the favourable characteristic (becomes the dominant trait).

Question 9

define neo-darwinism

Answer 9

The attribution of the variation in the characteristics of a species to the variation in genes in a species (incorporating Darwin’s theory into other fields of genetics)

Question 10

what factor increases rate of survivial in a population?

Answer 10

biodiversity and variation

Question 11

define natural selection

Answer 11

nature selects what trait is best suited to the environment
* with the passing of time, favourable characteristics get passed down to future generations

Question 12

define evolution

Answer 12

change in inheritable characteristics of a whole species over time ie. successive generations; modification of species due to natural selection;
* occurs because of organisms adapting to the environment (structural, physiological, behavioural)

Question 13

define the origin of species

Answer 13

following the lines of ancestors to see how organisms differ from evolution
* how things/organisms start to differ due to evolution

Question 14

what are examples of factors that increase genetic diversity?

Answer 14

• mutations
• immigration
• sexual reproduction

Question 15

what are examples of factors that decrease genetic diversity?

Answer 15

• natural selection
• emigration
• non-random mating
• genetic drift