Evolution Flashcards
What did Darwin believe about evolution?
Mutations occurred so that organisms could adapt to their environments
What was Lamarck’s theory of evolution?
If characteristics are used a lot, they develop more (eg., giraffe neck)
He believed that these acquired characteristics were passed onto the offspring
Why did people disagree with Darwin?
He went against the church
He did not have much evidence
There was no understanding of genetics and DNA
People did not like to think that they had come from apes
Whose theory of evolution is the commonly accepted theory today?
Charles Darwin
When were simple organisms the only life on Earth?
Over 3 billion years ago
Why might different species have similar characteristics?
They may have a recent commen ancestor and/or live in the same environment
What does a similar habitat and compilation of characteristics suggest about two different species?
They may be in competition for the same food source
What is natural selection?
When individuals within a species show variation, the individuals with the best characteristics will survive and breed more successfully
What is a mutation?
A change in DNA
Why was Lamarck’s hypothesis eventually rejected?
Experiments did not support his hypothesis, but the discovery of genetics supported Darwin’s
