Unit 1: Evolution-Intro to Evolution

Question 1

Evolution Definition

Answer 1

The cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of populations that occurs over successive generations; a theory to explain (prove) how species change over time (slow) through adaptations and mutations.

Question 2

Who cannot evolve?

Answer 2

Individuals

Question 3

What are the smallest unit that can evole?

Answer 3

Populations

Question 4

Why are populations the smallest unit that can evolve?

Answer 4

Populations can have a shift in their gene pool.

Question 5

Why do populations evolve?

Answer 5

So that a population becomes better suited to its habitat.

Question 6

What does a population becoming better suited to its habitat result in?

Answer 6

-Increased survival
-Better chance of passing on characteristics to offspring.

Question 7

Over what period of time does population evolution take place?

Answer 7

Over many generations

Question 8

How does a population evolve?

Answer 8

There is a shift in the gene pool so that a higher ratio of individuals have a particular adaptation.

Question 9

Adaptation definition

Answer 9

A particular structure, physiology or behaviour that helps an organism survive and reproduce in a particular environment

Question 10

What are some examples of adaptations?

Answer 10

E.g. camouflage, superb sense of smell, bill shape

Question 11

What is Myth 1 about the theory of evolution?

Answer 11

If humans evolved into monkeys, why are there still monkeys?
This is also related to the misunderstanding that evolution follows a linear path, that everything is trying to be human. - NOT SO –

Question 12

What is Myth 2 about the theory of evolution?

Answer 12

Myth 2: Scientists regularly debate whether evolution occurs.
-Debate only occurs is in social settings, and is philosophical in nature.
- If any debate occurs among biologists, it’s often regarding specifics - such as timing, or what animal is related to what, or when did a creature evolve and what is its origins.
-As a THEORY, evolution is supported by a large body of evidence and is used to EXPLAIN new observations.

Question 13

What is Myth 3 about the theory of evolution?

Answer 13

Myth 3: A person cannot believe in God and in evolution.
There are many scientists who have religious beliefs. One does not necessarily preclude the other.

Question 14

What is Myth 4 about the theory of evolution?

Answer 14

Myth 4: Survival of the fittest encourages the strong to destroy the weak.
Remember, “strong” and “weak” are relative. Organisms do not have to be strong to survive

Question 15

What is Myth 5 about the theory of evolution?

Answer 15

Myth 5: As organisms evolved so structures became more sophisticated and intelligent
The Retina is essentially backwards with blood vessels and nerve on the surface, creating a blind spot at the convergence of the retinal nerve.
The pharynx is a tube that connects the oral cavity to both the trachea and the esophagus.

Question 16

How many common meanings of the word “theory” are there?

Answer 16

Theory has 2 common meanings

Question 17

What are the two meanings of the word, “theory?”

Answer 17

Everyday meaning
Scientific meaning

Question 18

What does the everyday meaning of theory mean?

Answer 18

Everyday meaning = an educated guess
In science that is called a hypothesis or a prediction

Question 19

What does the scientific meaning of theory mean?

Answer 19

Scientific meaning = an explanatory model that accounts for a VERY large body of evidence
Cell Theory
Atomic Theory
Theory of Gravity

Question 20

Unlike tentative guesses, what is a a scientific theory founded on?

Answer 20

Founded on a large body of evidence that gives scientists great confidence in the theory

Question 21

What does this not mean for these theories?

Answer 21

These theories are complete or perfectly accurate

Question 22

What are all scientific theories considered as?

Answer 22

Tentative and open for revision and refinement as new evidence is gathered

Question 23

What would scientists still be shocked to see?

Answer 23

HOWEVER scientists would be shocked to find:
An animal without DNA
An atom without electrons
Or an apple that ‘fell up’

Question 24

When something is a fact, what does it suggest?

Answer 24

It is absolute, and not subject to change

Question 25

What does science not like?

Answer 25

Absolutes

Question 26

What is the definition of fact?

Answer 26

An observation that has been confirmed repeatedly and is accepted as true (although its truth is never final)

Question 27

What term do scientists prefer to use?

Answer 27

Observations