Evolution
What is evolution?
The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
What does natural selection mean?
The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Who is Charles Darwin?
A naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
What is mutation?
A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits in an organism.
Is evolution just a theory?
No, in science, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on evidence.
What is a fossil?
The preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past.
What is adaptation?
A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
What did Lamarck believe?
He believed that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.
What is migration?
The movement of individuals into or out of a population, which can introduce new genetic material.
Can individuals evolve?
No, evolution occurs at the level of populations over many generations, not in individual organisms.
What is genetic variation?
The differences in DNA among individuals within a population.
Who proposed the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin.
Who is Alfred Russel Wallace?
A naturalist who independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection.
What is genetic drift?
A mechanism of evolution that occurs due to random changes in the frequencies of alleles in a population.
What is survival of the fittest?
A phrase that refers to the idea that those best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
What is speciation?
The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
What are the four principles of natural selection?
Variation, inheritance, high rate of population growth, and differential survival and reproduction.
What is the significance of Darwin's finches?
They are a group of species that helped demonstrate adaptive radiation and natural selection.
What is the role of predators in natural selection?
Predators can affect which individuals survive and reproduce, influencing the traits that are passed on.
Do humans evolve from monkeys?
Humans and monkeys share a common ancestor, but humans did not evolve directly from monkeys.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Fossil records, genetic similarities, and anatomical structures that show relationships among species.
How does natural selection affect populations?
It can lead to changes in the traits of a population over generations, making them better suited to their environment.
How did the HMS Beagle contribute to the theory of evolution?
Darwin's observations during the voyage helped him develop his ideas on evolution and natural selection.
What is artificial selection?
The intentional breeding of organisms with desirable traits by humans.
Are all traits advantageous?
No, some traits may be neutral or even disadvantageous in certain environments.