Evolution
Evolution is the changing of a __________________ over MANY generations.
Population
An adaptation is a beneficial _________ that improves survival and becomes more common.
Trait
Genetic variation is based on differences in______
DNA
Natural selection occurs when individuals with ________ traits are able to survive and therefore reproduce more often.
helpful/beneficial
When there are no more members of a species
Extinction
Which scientist went in his ship (The Beagle) to the Galapagos Islands to study animals. He developed the Theory of Evolution
Charles Darwin
Can an organism choose which traits it is born with?
No
A group of living things that can reproduce with each other
Species
Things organisms need to live. If they don't get enough of these they die.
Limiting factors
Will an organism that is born with long legs live longer in an environment where the food is higher in the trees? Explain your answer.
Yes. It can reach the food.
The theory that all organisms evolved from other organisms.
The Theory of Evolution
What is an adaptation of the polar bear?
White fur/ Lots of fat
What is an example of a genetic variation in a human?
Eye color, dimples, freckles, skin pignment, height, density of bones, etc
What trait was responsible for the natural selection in the peppered moth example
Wing color (white vs black).
Selective breeding is when humans breed animals for specific traits. This is different than natural selection. What is an animal that humans selectively breed? How is this different than natural selection?
Cats, dogs, farm animals, camels, birds, etc.
What is one way we can study the evolution of animals over time?
Fossil Record
What would be a good adaptation to have if you were an organism living in mostly green environment?
Green exterior coloring
Where are genes (DNA) found in eukaryotic cells (plants and animals)
The nucleus
How could natural selection be affected by organisms that are intelligent? They can understand their environment more and therefore can find ways to prevent being killed off by predators, illnesses, etc. Can you think of an organism like this?
Humans.
Description of what happens under specific conditions. Often expressed as a mathematical equation
Law
Why don't creatures in the same area all eventually evolve into the same animals?
Because there are different ecological niches where things can survive. So more organisms can survive in a smaller area if they are deversified.
What adaptations do whales and dolphins have that land mammals do not have? (Name 2)
Thick skin to protect from salt water, flippers around finger areas to help with propulsion.
Can genetic variations be negative things? Give an example.
Answers vary: Genetic diseases etc.
Can natural selection change within an area based on factors outside of the genetics of the population of the animals that live in that environment?
Yes. Like in the example of the peppered moth.
A comprehensive and well-studied explanation of why or how an aspect of the natural world happens. We add to these or change parts of them, but do not throw them out.
Theories