Evolution Flashcards
What is evolution?
Evolution is the process through which species change over time through genetic variation and natural selection.
True or False: Evolution occurs in individuals.
False: Evolution occurs in populations over generations.
Fill in the blank: Natural selection is a mechanism of ________.
evolution
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a factor that drives evolution? A) Mutation B) Natural Selection C) Genetic Drift D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.
True or False: All mutations are harmful to organisms.
False: Some mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
What does the term ‘survival of the fittest’ mean?
It refers to the idea that individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Fill in the blank: The theory of ________ explains how species evolve over time.
evolution
What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?
Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, leading to evolution.
Multiple Choice: Which scientist is known for the theory of evolution by natural selection? A) Gregor Mendel B) Charles Darwin C) Louis Pasteur D) Albert Einstein
B) Charles Darwin
What is speciation?
Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing species.
True or False: Evolution can result in the formation of new species.
True
Fill in the blank: The fossil record provides evidence for ________.
evolution
What is adaptive radiation?
Adaptive radiation is the rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of natural selection? A) Stabilizing selection B) Directional selection C) Disruptive selection D) Random selection
D) Random selection
What is the significance of Darwin’s finches?
Darwin’s finches are a classic example of adaptive radiation and natural selection in action.
True or False: Evolution is a linear process.
False: Evolution is a branching process with many different paths.
What is the concept of common descent?
Common descent is the idea that all living organisms share a common ancestor.
Fill in the blank: The study of ________ provides insights into evolutionary relationships between species.
comparative anatomy
What is convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution is the process where unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following provides evidence for evolution? A) DNA similarities B) Fossil records C) Anatomical similarities D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?
Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution.
True or False: Evolution only happens over millions of years.
False: Evolution can occur over shorter timescales as well.
Fill in the blank: The process of ________ can lead to genetic drift.
random mating
What is the founder effect?
The founder effect is a form of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population.
