Evolution Flashcards
What is the theory of evolution
More than 3 million years ago life on earth began as simple organisms from which more complex organisms evolved
What 2 factors make plants and animals different
Plants make their own food/ animals don’t
Plants are fixed in the ground but animals can move round
Give one example of how microorganisms are different to both plants and animals
Bacteria - They are single celled
Why do species with similar characteristics share similar genes
They have a recent common ancestor
What are 2 features of species with similar genes
Live in similar habitat
Look very alike
What is an example of genetically different species who look alike
Sharks and Dolphins
Can genetically different species look alike
yes
What do evolutionary trees show
common ancestors and relationships between organisms
The more recent the common ancestor..
The more closely related the species
What does it suggest when organisms in the same environment have similar characteristics
They are in competition
What shows predator-prey relationships
Differences between organisms in the same environment
Who came up with the theory of natural selection
Charles Darwin
Explain Natural Selection
- Individuals within a species show variation because of the differences in their genes sometimes caused by genetic mutations
- The individuals with the characteristics better suited to adapt to their environment have better survival chances and so are more likely to breed successfully - these genes will be passed on
What is a mutation
A change in an organisms DNA
What effects does a mutation have
Sometimes causes a useful characteristic to be produced which can serve as an advantage
