gygt Flashcards
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What is the definition of variation?
Variation refers to the differences between individuals in a species, such as size, color, or behavior.
- What does variation within a species mean?
It means that individuals of the same species can have different traits or characteristics.
- What is the definition of a species?
A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
- What is evolution? Does evolution occur in a short amount of time or over a long period of time?
Evolution is the process by which species change over time. It usually occurs over a long period of time.
- How can natural selection lead to evolution?
Natural selection leads to evolution by favoring traits that help individuals survive and reproduce. Over time, these traits become more common in the population.
- What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
- How are the peppered moths an example of natural selection?
During the Industrial Revolution, darker-colored peppered moths survived better in polluted areas than lighter ones, leading to more dark moths in the population.
- What is animal adaptation?
Animal adaptation is the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment through physical or behavioral changes.
- What is the difference between structural, behavioral, and physiological adaptations?
Structural adaptations are physical features (e.g., beak shape).
Behavioral adaptations are actions (e.g., migration).
Physiological adaptations involve internal processes (e.g., temperature regulation).
- How is selective breeding different from natural selection?
Selective breeding is when humans choose which traits to pass on by breeding specific animals or plants, while natural selection is a natural process without human intervention.
- Give an example of when selective breeding is used in today’s society.
Selective breeding is used in agriculture to produce crops with desirable traits, such as higher yields or disease resistance.
- What are the 4 pieces of evidence for evolution and the idea that all species on earth have a common ancestor?
Fossil records show changes over time.
Comparative anatomy reveals similarities between species.
Molecular biology (DNA) shows genetic similarities.
Comparative embryology demonstrates similar developmental stages.
- How can comparative embryology be used to support the idea of evolution?
Comparative embryology studies the embryos of different species, revealing that many have similar stages, suggesting a common ancestry.
- How can comparative anatomy be used to support the idea of evolution?
Comparative anatomy compares physical structures in different species. Similar structures (homologous structures) indicate they share a common ancestor.
- How can molecular biology (DNA) be used to support the idea of evolution?
similar developmental stages
DNA show genetic similarities.
Molecular biology shows that DNA sequences are similar among related species, indicating common ancestry.
- How can fossils be used to support the idea of evolution?
Fossils provide a historical record of organisms that existed in the past, showing gradual changes and the emergence of new species.
- What is the difference between analogous and homologous structures?
Analogous structures are different in structure but similar in function (e.g., wings of birds and insects).
Homologous structures are similar in structure but may have different functions (e.g., forelimbs of mammals).
- What is the difference between convergent evolution and divergent evolution?
Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits (e.g., flying animals).
Divergent evolution occurs when related species become more different over time (e.g., different species of finches).
- Define speciation and give an example of speciation.
Speciation is the process by which new species arise. An example is Darwin’s finches, which evolved into different species due to varying environments and food sources
- What is the definition of vestigial structures? What are some examples of vestigial structures?
Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or structures that had a function in early ancestors but are reduced or unused in current species. Examples include the human appendix and whale pelvis.
