Evolution & Natural Selection

Question 1

Linnaeus

Answer 1

Classification of all living organisms

Question 2

Hutton

Answer 2

Gradual geologic change

Question 3

Lamark

Answer 3

Species can change (traits acquired during lifetime can be passed onto other generations)

Question 4

Malthus

Answer 4

Population limits (human population has potential for exponential growth + resources do not = human die)

Question 5

Cuvier

Answer 5

Fossils and extinction

Question 6

Lyell

Answer 6

Modern geology

Question 7

Darwin

Answer 7

Evolution and natural selection (Wallace’s partner)

Question 8

Wallace

Answer 8

Evolution and natural selection (Darwin’s partner)

Question 9

Darwin & Wallace notice: (4 things)

Answer 9

1. there are many different species
2. fossils of species resemble current species
3. geographical gradients in species’ characteristics
4. organisms seem to have traits that match the conditions of their environment

Question 10

Adaptations

Answer 10

Inherited characteristics of organisms that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments

Question 11

Darwin’s 2 key points:

Answer 11

1. descent with modification

2. change of species in time can arise due to natural selection

Question 12

Process of evolution by natural selection: (4 observations)

Answer 12

1. individuals in a population vary in their traits
2. traits are heritable
3. organisms can produce more offspring than environment can support
4. result = many offspring do not survive

Question 13

Process of evolution by natural selection: (2 inferences)

Answer 13

1. individuals that are well suited to environment tend to leave more offspring than others (survival/reproduction of the fittest)
2. over time, favorable traits accumulate in population

Question 14

Evidence for natural selection and descent with modification: (5 things)

Answer 14

1. artificial selection
2. direct observations of evolutionary change
3. fossil record
4. homology
5. biogeography

Question 15

Artificial selection

Answer 15

By controlling survival and reproduction, dramatic change can occur in a short period of time

Question 16

Direct observation of evolutionary change:

Answer 16

• evolution of pesticide resistance

- evolution of anti-predator behavior

Question 17

Fossil record

Answer 17

Younger are toward top and older are toward bottom

Question 18

Homology

Answer 18

Similarity due to common ancestry

Question 19

Homologous structures

Answer 19

Features with similar construction due to common ancestry

Question 20

Vestigial structures

Answer 20

Historical remnants that serve no obvious present purpose

Question 21

Embryological homologies

Answer 21

Similar embryo structures and forms

Question 22

Molecular homologies

Answer 22

Similar molecular composition of proteins (DNA)

Question 23

Biogeography

Answer 23

The geographic distribution of species

Question 24

Natural selection can: (2 things)

Answer 24

1. provide a mechanism to create evolutionary change

2. help explain existence of adaptations