evolution Flashcards
What is evolution?
The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
True or False: Evolution occurs only through natural selection.
False
Fill in the blank: The theory of evolution was primarily developed by __________.
Charles Darwin
What is natural selection?
The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Which of the following is a mechanism of evolution? A) Mutation B) Genetic drift C) Gene flow D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the significance of the fossil record in evolution?
It provides evidence of the history of life and how species have changed over time.
True or False: All mutations are harmful to an organism.
False
What is speciation?
The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the concept that explains how species evolve over time due to environmental pressures.
Natural selection
What is genetic drift?
A mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in the frequency of alleles in a population.
Which scientist is known for the concept of punctuated equilibrium?
Stephen Jay Gould
True or False: Evolution is a linear process.
False
What is the role of mutations in evolution?
Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can be acted upon by natural selection.
What are homologous structures?
Anatomical features in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the smallest unit of evolution.
Population
What is adaptive radiation?
The diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.
Which of the following is NOT a type of selection? A) Stabilizing B) Directional C) Disruptive D) Linear
D) Linear
What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?
Microevolution refers to small evolutionary changes within a species, while macroevolution refers to larger evolutionary changes that result in the emergence of new species.
True or False: The existence of vestigial structures supports the theory of evolution.
True
What is convergent evolution?
The process by which unrelated organisms develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
Fill in the blank: The __________ law states that the characteristics of a species are inherited from its ancestors.
Law of inheritance
What does the term ‘fitness’ refer to in evolutionary biology?
The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Which of the following is an example of artificial selection? A) Predator-prey interactions B) Selective breeding of dogs C) Natural disasters D) Climate change
B) Selective breeding of dogs
What is the significance of the Hardy-Weinberg principle?
It provides a mathematical model for studying genetic variation in a population under ideal conditions.
True or False: All living organisms share a common ancestor.
True
What is co-evolution?
The process where two or more species influence each other’s evolutionary trajectory.
Fill in the blank: __________ are the remnants of structures that had a function in an early ancestor.
Vestigial structures
What is the significance of DNA sequencing in evolution?
It allows scientists to compare genetic material across species to understand evolutionary relationships.
What are the two main types of reproductive isolation?
Prezygotic and postzygotic isolation.
True or False: Evolution can occur rapidly in small populations.
True
What is the role of ecological niches in evolution?
They provide the context in which species adapt and evolve based on available resources and environmental pressures.
