SOL Flashcards
Describe Darwins contribution to the theory of evolution.
the process evolution occurs: NATURAL SELECTION (The mechanism for evolution.)
1. populations have variations
2. some variations are favourable
3. more offspring are produced than survive
4. those that survive have the favourable traits
5. a population will change over time
eg. peppered moths
Define the term species
A group of living organisms that can exchange genes or breed together and produce fertile offspring
How speciation occurs
The process by which life forms change over time, sometimes giving rise to new species. The populations become reproductively isolated, resulting in new species as they are exposed to different selection pressures, overtime DNA mutations build up in the species and they can no longer resproduce.
What is meant by hybrid
Hybrids are the infertile offspring of genetically similar species (not the same). Eg. lions and tigers are genetically similar but separated both geographically and ecologically. - Tigon and Liger.
How do scientists identify if two animals belong to the same species
Scientists would breed the two animals together. If they produce fertile offspring then they would be classified as the same species, but if they produced infertile offspring then they are classified as different
species.
Define evolution
The gradual change in genetic material (DNA) of a population of organisms over a long period of time.
Charles Darwin theory of evolution vs Jean Baptiste Lamarke
Charles - Theory of natural selection
Jean - Theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics.
Natural selection 6 principals
- variation already exists within a population
- a selection pressure acts on the population
- individuals with the favourable trait will survive and produce offspring passing on the genes for the favourable trait to the next generation
- the individual without the favourable trait struggles to reproduce their genes
- overtime the population will therefore change
- more individuals in the population of future generations will show/have the favourable trait.
Selection pressures
Factors that result in selection pressures include:
- Predation (introduced)
- Changes in climate
- Changes in environmental factors (food, water, etc)
- Disease
- Competition for food, space, reproductive resources.
How does variation occur in a population
DNA mutations, gene flow, sexual reproduction. The main source of new traits is mutations and occur in an individuals DNA. These traits may give the individual and advantage.
Isolating mechanisms preventing offspring.
Mechanical isolation - separated populations develop different reproductive parts and cannot reproduce.
Gamete isolation- different sperm and ova usually don’t form an zygote.
Behavioural isolation - in the same area but have different courtship rituals and may not understand each other.
Ecological isolation - species occupy different habitats and so will not encounter each other to mate.
Geographical isolation - separated by geography. Eg mountains, rivers.
Temporal isolation - species reproduce at different times of the day or seasons.
Define the term ‘survival of the fittest’.
In a population with a variation of features, those that are best suited to their environment are more
likely to survive and breed more successfully than their rivals.
What role does mutation play in natural selection?
Mutations produce different characteristics within individuals. Organisms that best suit them to their
particular environment have greater chances of survival and reproduction, which means they can pass this
favourable mutation on to future generations. Possible examples: Dark moths have a favourable mutation that
allows them to be camouflaged from predators during the industrial revolution.
Explain how fossil records provide evidence of evolution.
Fossil records show a progression for simple forms to more complex forms that is consistent with the
theory of evolution. Being able to work out how old a fossil is (dating) means that the order in which different
life forms appeared can be determined, therefore the evolution of these life forms can be deduced.
What type of evidence of evolution does the pentadactyl limb demonstrate? Explain.
Comparative anatomy. Animals that have the pentadactyl limb must have shared a common
ancestor, indicating divergent evolution.
Using an example, explain how vestigial structures are evidence of evolution.
Vestigial structures are organs that were once used by ancestors but have reduced in size/function
because they are not being selected for. They provide evidence of ancestral heritage in which these
structures performed other tasks, for example, the appendix in humans. Other examples include wisdom
teeth, pelvic bones in snakes and wings on the cassowary.
What is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution? Use examples in your answer.
Divergent evolution occurs when closely related species become more different over time due to
different environmental conditions and different selection pressures (eg. pentadactyl limb).
Whereas convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms evolve similar adaptations in
response to their similar environment (eg. bat wing and butterfly wing).
What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?
Homologous structures are features that have a similar structure but different function. They are
evidence of divergent evolution. In comparison, analogous structures are features that have similar
functions, but are structurally different. They are evidence of convergent evolution.
The hominin skeleton
● Upright posture
● Bipedalism
● Centralised foramen magnum
● Larger brain case
● Flatter face
● Bowl-shaped and/or shorter pelvis
Features of the hominin skull. Describe how they differ from hominid skulls.
● Hominin skulls have a more centralised foramen magnum
● Hominin skulls have a flatter face
● Hominin skulls have a larger cranial capacity
● Hominin skulls have a more parabolic jaw (U-shaped jaw)
● Hominin skulls have less canine teeth
The only surviving hominin species
Homo sapiens.
The first hominin species to use stone
tools.
H. habilis
Where are hominins are thought to have originated from
Africa
What is a half life?
A half-life is the time taken for the concentration of a radioactive isotope to fall to half its original value.