Natural selection
Who is the scientist known for the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin.
What is genetic drift?
A random change in allele frequencies in a population.
What is Speciation?
The formation of a new species.
What are fossils?
Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.
What does "survival of the fittest" actually mean?
The individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
What are the four main principles of natural selection?
Reproduction, genetic variation, competition, survival.
Name one type of genetic drift.
Bottleneck effect or founder effect.
Name one type of reproductive isolation.
Geographic, temporal, or behavioral isolation.
What is a homologous structure?
A structure with similar anatomy but different functions, showing common ancestry
True or False: Evolution has a specific goal or direction.
False—evolution is driven by random mutations and environmental pressures, not a predetermined goal.
Why do some individuals survive longer than others in a population?
They have traits that make them better suited to their environment
How does a population bottleneck affect genetic diversity?
It reduces genetic variation because only a small number of individuals survive.
How does geographic isolation lead to speciation?
It prevents gene flow, allowing populations to evolve separately.
How do vestigial structures provide evidence for evolution?
They are reduced or unused body parts inherited from ancestors, such as the human appendix.
What role do mutations play in evolution?
Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial.
Give an example of natural selection in action.
Peppered moths, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Galápagos finches.
How is genetic drift different from natural selection?
Genetic drift is random, while natural selection is based on fitness and adaptation.
How does temporal Isolation lead to speciation?
Species reproducing at different times preventing gene flow
How can DNA comparisons show evolutionary relationships?
Species with more similar DNA share a more recent common ancestor.
How can artificial selection be similar to natural selection?
In both, traits become more common over generations, but artificial selection is driven by human choices instead of environmental pressures.
How does natural selection lead to adaptation in a population over time?
Beneficial traits become more common as individuals with those traits survive and reproduce.
Give an example of how genetic drift has impacted a real-world population.
Cheetahs have low genetic diversity due to past population bottlenecks.
How does behavioral Isolation lead to speciation?
Different mating rituals/behaviors prevent interbreeding
Give one piece of evidence that supports the theory of evolution.
Fossil record, homologous structures, embryology, or molecular evidence
What is one common misconception about evolution?
"Humans evolved from monkeys" (in reality, humans and modern apes share a common ancestor).