A Trip to the Galapagos w/ Charles Darwin
Which islands did Darwin study to observe variations among species?
The Galapagos Islands
What are the four main principles of natural selection?
Isolation, overpopulation, adaptation, inheritance
What is a fossil?
What is convergent evolution?
Species have similar characteristics but do not have a recent common ancestor (ie. sharks and dolphins)
What is artificial selection?
Humans manipulate breeding of species to control which traits are passed down.
What theory did Darwin propose to explain how species change over time?
the Theory of Evolution
Define "fitness" in the context of natural selection.
How do fossils provide evidence for evolution?
Define divergent evolution and give an example.
Describe stabilizing selection and provide an example.
The middle/average trait is selected for rather than the two extremes; dark and light oysters are not successful in their environment, but grey ones are able to hide well
What was the boat that Darwin had his voyage on?
HMS Beagle
How does variation contribute to the process of natural selection?
Species vary in different traits based on their location and their environment. Depending on how successful these traits are, they more likely they continue to be passed down and species continue to vary and survive. (most species are different from each other and are still successful)
Where are older fossils found?
Deeper in the Earth
What is coevolution?
Two species evolve together over time. (ie. snake and frog example)
What is disruptive selection?
Both extreme traits are selected for and not the middle. (dark and light oysters hide better in different environments while grey are easily picked out)
What is the term for the mechanism by which evolution occurs, as described by Darwin?
Natural Selection
What role do adaptations play in the survival of species?
Adaptations can create new species (speciation) and help species be more fit.
Where are newer fossils found?
Closer to the surface.
Explain the concept of speciation.
New species form from already existing species. Usually through adaptations and mutations.
What is directional selection?
One extreme is selected for (white foxes being successful in snowy areas while brown and tan are not)
What countries did Darwin visit on his voyage?
Africa, South America, Australia
Explain the concept of "survival of the fittest."
the species that are more fit (more successful at surviving) continue to pass down traits and have successful offspring.
Why are fossils found in the Earth and not sitting on its surface?
Over time, sediment and dirt and rocks will cover the fossil, stopping decomposition, and bury it further in the earth. This preserves it.
How do mutations contribute to evolutionary change?
If the mutation is beneficial, then it continues to be passed down and species evolve into new species.
Describe the different curves for each type of selection.
disruptive -> a lot in both extremes, none in middle
directional -> a lot in ONE extreme, none in middle or other extreme