Evolution Flashcards
What is a species?
A species is a group of similar organisms that are able to reproduce and produce fertile offspring.
What is variation in a species caused by? (2)
Random mutations in the genes of gametes, which is then passed onto the offspring.
The mixing of genes in sexual reproduction.
What is natural selection? (4 points)
Organisms are all different. Some, which happen to have variations that help them, survive and have more offspring. The offspring are born with the helpful traits and, as they reproduce, individuals with that trait make up more of the population. Other individuals that are not so well adapted die off.
Describe an example of evolution, using rat resistance to warfarin (4 points)
Warfarin is a poison used to kill rats, but some rats developed a mutation which gave them a resistance to it. These rats survived for long enough to reproduce, so they passed these genes onto the next generation, which meant all those rats were resistant to warfarin as well. Eventually the resistant rats became the dominant type, and evolution has occurred.
What did both Darwin and Larmarck believe about evolution? (4)
Life had changed gradually over time and was still changing
Living things change to be better suited and adapted to their environments
All organisms are related
Life evolved from simpler to more complex organisms
What did Lamarck believe about evolution? (4)
If an organism changes during its life, those changes will be passed onto its offspring
Change is made by what organisms want or need
Body parts that are not being used are gradually disappearing and eventually people will be born without these parts
Evolution happens according to a predetermined plan and the results have already been decided
What did Darwin believe about evolution? (4)
Desires of animals have nothing to do with how they evolve
Changes in an organism during its life do not affect the evolution of a species
Natural selection
Evolution does not happen according to any sort of plan.
What islands did Darwin visit? On what ship? What birds were important for his theory?
The Galapagos Islands
The Beagle
Finches
