The Theory of Evolution Flashcards
What is evolution?
Evolution is the process by which species change over time through genetic variation and natural selection.
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to the next generation.
What are selection pressures?
Selection pressures are environmental factors that influence the survival and reproduction of individuals, such as predators, competition, climate, and disease.
What is a species?
A species is a group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Define genetic variation.
Genetic variation refers to differences in DNA among individuals of a species, leading to differences in traits.
What are adaptations?
Adaptations are traits or behaviors that enhance an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
What is the significance of fossil evidence?
Fossils provide evidence of how species have changed over time and reveal transitional forms between ancient and modern organisms.
What are homologous structures?
Homologous structures are anatomical features that are similar in structure but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestry (e.g., forelimbs of mammals).
What are vestigial structures?
Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or features that had a function in ancestors but are now reduced or useless (e.g., human appendix).
What is comparative embryology?
Comparative embryology studies the similarities in embryonic development across different species, indicating shared ancestry.
How does biochemistry support evolution?
Biochemical evidence shows similarities in DNA, RNA, and protein sequences among species, suggesting common ancestry.
What are transitional fossils?
Transitional fossils show intermediary forms between ancestral and modern species, demonstrating how evolutionary changes occurred.
What is the theory of natural selection proposed by Darwin?
Charles Darwin’s theory states that organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits.
How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?
Artificial selection is human-driven, where specific traits are chosen for breeding, while natural selection occurs without human interference.
What is the role of mutation in evolution?
Mutations introduce genetic variations, some of which may provide an advantage in survival and reproduction, driving evolutionary change.
What is biogeography, and how does it support evolution?
Biogeography is the study of the geographic distribution of species. It shows that species in isolated regions (e.g., islands) often evolve unique traits due to limited gene flow.
What is speciation?
Speciation is the formation of new species from an existing species due to factors like geographic isolation, genetic drift, and natural selection.
What is extinction, and why does it occur?
Extinction is the permanent loss of a species. It occurs when a species cannot adapt quickly enough to changes in its environment or compete with other species.
What are the five main types of evidence for evolution?
- Fossil evidence.
- Comparative anatomy (homologous and vestigial structures).
- Comparative embryology.
- Biochemistry (DNA/protein similarities).
- Biogeography.
What is a common ancestor?
A common ancestor is an ancient species from which two or more species evolved.
What is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution?
Convergent evolution: Unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environments (e.g., wings in birds and bats).
Divergent evolution: Related species evolve different traits due to different environments (e.g., Darwin’s finches).
What is adaptive radiation?
Adaptive radiation is the rapid evolution of a single species into multiple species, each adapted to a different environment or niche (e.g., Darwin’s finches).
How does overproduction relate to natural selection?
Overproduction occurs when species produce more offspring than the environment can support, leading to competition and survival of the fittest.
What is the evolutionary significance of the Galápagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands provided key evidence for Darwin’s theory of natural selection, especially through the diverse adaptations of finches to different niches.
What are analogous structures?
Analogous structures are features that perform similar functions but have different evolutionary origins (e.g., wings of insects and birds).
