Theory of Evolution
What were the full names of the main two contributors of the Theory of Evolution?
Charles Darwin AND Alfred Wallace
What is Natural Selection
The process where organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce
What is genetic variation
The difference in DNA and gene sequences between individual organisms within a species
HMS Beagle
How many bones do we have in an ear?
3
Darwin and Wallace travelled around the world during/around 1848 and 1836 respectively. True or False
False! Darwin travelled during 1836 whilst Wallace travelled around 1848.
Can mutations affect natural selection?
Yes, if they are inheritable mutations.
How are favourable variations transmitted?
Through genes.
When you look outside and see a bird (like a pigeon or a seagull), you are actually looking at a tiny, modern relative of which ancient animal?
Dinosaurs
Which is the only body part that is fully grown from birth?
The eye
Outline their shared Theory on evolution
All species evolve over time from common ancestors through a process driven by environmental pressures
What are the 4 principles of natural selection
Variation
Inheritability
More offspring born than can survive
Organisms with better traits will survive and reproduce
List 3 ways diversity occurs.
1. Asexual reproduction
2. Sexual reproduction
3. Mutations
A famous scientist named Charles Darwin figured out how evolution works by visiting a special group of islands. What was the name of these islands?
The Galapagos Islands
Mitochondria
How far apart were their voyages
HMS Beagle ended in October 1836, about 11.5 years before Alfred Russel Wallace began his first major expedition to the Amazon in April 1848
What do the red-bellied snakes, the northern quolls and the cane toads have in terms of their evolution?
They all evolved to suit a certain environmental condition.
Why would a albino mice's fur be a disadvantage?
Less likely to survive to adulthood and produce many offspring as the white fur and skin make them more vulnerable to predators.
Why are polar bears white
To hide in the white snow
Which is the most abundant element in the universe?
Hydrogen
What animals did Darwin and Wallace observe
Charles Darwin famously used the variations in the beaks of Galápagos finches AND Alfred Russel Wallace primarily focused on how geographic barriers separated closely related species of butterflies (swallowtails and giant birdwings) and birds-of-paradise in the Malay Archipelago
These birds were observed by Charles Darwin and proved that natural selection can occur rapidly when species are isolated and face different environmental conditions.
What are the Galapagos finches?
4 Reasons why genetic diversity is important
1. Enhances adaptability to environmental conditions
2. Increases biodiversity
3. Resilience against disease
4. Prevents whole species extinction
Why did elephants evolve to have such long trunks?
To reach food and drink water easily
What is the coldest planet in our solar system?
Uranus