Writing practice for evolution summative Flashcards
What does being ‘fit’ in evolution mean?
Having traits that help an organism survive and reproduce, not necessarily being the biggest or strongest.
Give an example of an animal that shows fitness in a different way.
A stick insect, which uses camouflage to avoid predators.
How does fossil evidence support evolution?
Fossils show how species have changed over time by comparing older fossils to newer ones.
What is an example of fossil evidence supporting evolution?
Fossils of ancient horses show they were much smaller with multiple toes compared to modern horses.
How does DNA evidence support evolution?
DNA comparisons show how closely related different species are.
What percentage of DNA do humans and chimpanzees share?
About 98%.
Who developed the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin.
What is fitness in nature?
An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.
Provide an example of evolution in action.
During the Industrial Revolution, dark-colored peppered moths survived better in polluted areas than light-colored moths.
Which birds are more ‘fit’ if there is a food shortage where only deep flowers with nectar remain?
The birds with long, thin beaks.
Why are birds with long, thin beaks more fit in this scenario?
They can reach the nectar inside the deep flowers.
Why do some animals with traits that seem like weaknesses still survive?
Some traits provide protection or advantages in other ways.
What trait helps a slow-moving turtle survive?
A strong shell that protects it from predators.
Which lizards will likely become more common if desert sands get darker over time?
The dark-colored lizards.
Why will dark-colored lizards become more common?
They will blend into the darker sand, making them harder for predators to see.
What is the difference between being the fastest runner and the most ‘fit’ for survival?
Fitness is about surviving and reproducing, not just speed.
How do fossils help scientists understand how animals have changed over time?
Fossils provide a record of past life forms and show how species have evolved.
What does a similar bone structure in a whale’s flipper and a human’s arm suggest?
That whales and humans share a common ancestor.
What are vestigial structures?
Body parts that don’t seem to have a purpose, indicating evolutionary history.
What do tiny leg bones in whales suggest about their ancestors?
That their ancestors once had legs and walked on land.
What does it suggest if two species share very similar DNA?
That they share a common ancestor and are closely related.
Why do embryos of different animals look similar at first?
Because they share common ancestors.
What does the similarity in early-stage embryos suggest about evolution?
That all vertebrates evolved from a common ancestor long ago.
