Evolution and Natural Selection Flashcards
Natural selection
The process by which evolution takes place
Survival of the fittest
Where organisms that have particular characteristics survive and reproduce
Evolutionary trees
Models used to explain the evolutionary links between groups of organisms
Selective breeding
Speeds up natural selection by selecting particular characteristics
Extinction
The permanent loss of a species from an area or from the world
Adaptations
Special characteristics that make an organism well suited to where it lives
Evolution
A gradual change in a species in response to adaptations to environmental and other factors
Biodiversity
A measure of the variety of all the different species on Earth
Natural selection summary
Individuals with specific characteristics that are better adapted to the environment will survive. They will pass their genes onto off spring and this leads to a gradual change in characteristics.
How can a specie become extinct because of their environment
If environmental changes occur rapidly and the organisms do not have the appropriate adaptations the species may become extinct
Peer review
Peer review is where one or more people, with similar ideas evaluate the producers work. It functions as a form of self-regulation by qualified members with professional expertise in that specific area
Why was Darwin’s theory only gradually excepted?
The theory challenged the idea that God made all animals and plants that live on Earth. Also it limited scientific understanding of genetics and inheritance
What evidence for Darwin’s theory do we have today
Fossils
Similarities between related living organisms
Drug-resistant bacteria and pesticide-resistant insects.
What are some factors that lead to extinction
Human hunting
New diseases
Climate changes
What are the three theories for the extinction of the dinosaurs?
Volcano theory
Asteroid theory
Climate change theory
What is the difference between a theory and a fact
A fact is something that is definitely true and a theory is something that has some evidence but it’s still highly likely to be true
Endangered species
a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its population most likely because of habitat loss
What is two ways to protect endangered species
Conservation of habitat
Captive breeding programs
What was Charles theory?
“descent with modification,”
the idea that species change over time, give rise to new species, and share a common ancestor.
