Evolution Flashcards
What is microevolution?
Changes in the genetic code (both
composition and allele frequencies) from generation to generation
What is macroevolution?
The diversity of life forms currently present on
Earth has been generated by descent with modification from simple life forms that
existed about four billion years ago
Is evolution a fact or theory?
The idea that changes have occurred is a fact; the mechanisms behind this is a theory.
Besides Darwin, who also proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection?
Wallace.
What thoughts influenced Darwin and his theory?
- Nature is a machine.
- Rocks are full of information.
- Life has a drive to progress.
- Life can grow exponentially.
Who proposed that the mechanistic view should be applied to geology?
James Hutton.
Who wrote Principles of Geology?
Charles Lyell.
Who proposed that life had an innate drive?
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
Who proposed that populations have the ability to grow exponentially?
Thomas Malthus.
What data did Darwin use to develop his theory?
- Data from the Beagle times.
- Artificial selection.
Data collected while on the Beagle showed Darwin what?
- Variation of life forms.
- Distribution of fossil records.
Darwin’s basic proposal/logic/evidence for microevolution:
IF…
- Members of a population vary,
- There is an excess of offspring,
- Individuals with certain traits have a greater chance of survival,
THEN…
The inequality will lead to the accumulation of favorable traits over time.
Darwin’s basic proposal/logic/evidence for macroevolution:
IF…
- Fossil patterns do not seem consistent with special creation,
- Fossil patterns reflect processes we see today,
- Selection of traits can lead to members of the same population looking very different,
- There is a constant source of new traits,
THEN…
Natural selection might provide the mechanism.
Darwin was slow to publish his work because…
He did not want controversy.
Did Darwin believe in God?
He changed his mind over the years.
