Evolutionary Biology Final Flashcards
Define evolution
A change in population over time
What is the driving force of evolution?
Natural Selection
What level does this driving force operate on?
Genetics
Evolution is defined in terms of —–, but occurs in terms of —–.
Populations, individuals
Who is the father of evolution?
Charles Darwin
What was the name of his ship?
HMS Beagle
What is the name of the islands where he did his studies?
Galapagos Islands
What two organisms and what body parts did he study?
A. Finches and beaks
B. Tortoises and necks
According to Darwin, what organisms survived?
Organisms that can reproduce and leave offspring are more fit
Describe survival of the fittest using a tortoise.
The tortoises with short necks could not reach vegetation and eventually died off from starvation. The tortoises with long necks were able to reach the vegetation so they were the “fittest.”
What is the name of Darwins book?
On the Origin of Species
4 key points from Darwins studies
- each species produces more offspring than can survive
- these offspring compete with one another for the limited resources available to them
- organisms in every population vary
- the fittest offspring, of those with the most favorable traits, are the most likely to survive and therefore produce a second generation
Who was one of the first people to propose a widely accepted theory of evolution?
Lamarck
Describe the theory of “law of use and disuse.”
Giraffes have long necks because they constantly use them. (Traits that are used frequently are kept while the traits that are not used are not passed down)
What are acquired changes?
Changes at macro level
