Vocabulary
A group of similar organisms that can reproduce and have fertile offspring.
Species
He is known as the “Father of Evolution.”
Charles Darwin
This process happens when one species splits into two or more new species over time
Speciation
A graph shows that over time, the average beak size of birds increased. What does this tell us about how the birds adapted?
they developed larger beaks to survive better in their environment
When a mutation gives an organism a better chance to survive, it is more likely to be passed to future generations. This is called a _____ mutation.
Beneficial
A trait or feature that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
Adaptation
Darwin developed his theory of evolution after studying animals on these islands off the coast of South America.
Galápagos Islands
These random changes in DNA can create new traits in organisms
Mutations
A graph shows light colored peppered moths increasing after the industrial revolution, why did this occur?
The pollution became regulated and the lichen on the trees began to come back so the moths were able to hide on the trees again.
This is the term for differences in traits among individuals of the same species.
Variation
A group of the same species living in the same place at the same time.
Population
DAILY DOUBLE: WAGER YOUR POINTS BEFORE QUESTION
This famous book by Darwin explains his ideas about natural selection.
On the Origin of Species
When an organism’s traits help it survive better in its environment, it has one of these
Adaptation
CF is caused by a deletion of 3 letters in the gene sequence. How might this deletion cause excessive mucus production?
Those 3 letters determine how much mucus is produced.
Mutations happen in this part of a cell, which contains instructions for the organism.
DNA
A random change in an organism’s DNA that can sometimes lead to new traits
Mutation
Darwin noticed that these birds on the Galápagos had different beak shapes depending on what they ate.
Finches
This process explains how organisms with the best traits survive and pass those traits to their offspring.
Natural Selection
Could a population living today differ from their ancestors from many generations ago? Why or Why not?
Yes! they could differ after many generations because an environmental change can affect which inherited traits are best adapted to the new environment, and therefore which individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Before developing his theory of evolution, Darwin traveled on this ship for five years, observing plants and animals around the world.
HMS Beagle
A segment of DNA that carries instructions for a specific trait.
Gene
Darwin’s theory says that organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce — this process is called what?
Natural Selection
Over many generations, natural selection can cause this large-scale change, leading to the formation of new species.
Speciation (or evolution)
Why are Darwin's Finches only able to live on certain islands?
They have adapted to live on that particular island based on their beaks and the food they eat.
DAILY DOUBLE: WAGER YOUR POINTS BEFORE YOU ANSWER
When humans selectively breed plants or animals for certain traits, it is similar to natural selection but done by humans. This is called _____.
Artificial selection