Vocab Basics
This is the process where individuals with beneficial traits survive and reproduce more.
Natural selection
Why is genetic variation important for evolution?
It provides differences that natural selection can act on
What type of evidence uses preserved remains of organisms?
Fossils
If an environment favors darker fur, what happens to that trait over time?
It becomes more common
A population of rabbits varies in fur thickness. Winters become colder. What happens?
Rabbits with thicker fur survive and reproduce more
This term refers to a change in a DNA sequence.
Mutation
What is the main difference between homologous and analogous structures?
Homologous = same ancestry, different function; Analogous = different ancestry, same function
Comparing DNA sequences between species provides what type of evidence?
Molecular evidence
A population experiences a drought. Which individuals are most likely to survive?
Those with traits suited to dry conditions
Two species live in similar environments but evolved separately. Why might they look alike?
Convergent evolution
This term describes inherited traits that increase survival and reproduction.
Adaptations
What does “survival of the fittest” actually mean in biology?
Those best adapted to the environment reproduce more
Why are homologous structures evidence of evolution?
They suggest a common ancestor
BONUS: What high school did Mrs. Shepherd go to?
Adna
If a mutation is harmful, what is likely to happen to it over time?
It becomes less common
This describes random changes in allele frequencies in a population.
Genetic Drift
Why do not all offspring survive in a population?
Limited resources, competition, predation
BONUS: What Breed of dog does Mrs. Shepherd have?
Great Pyrenees
What happens to individuals without beneficial traits?
They are less likely to survive and reproduce
A small population is randomly affected by a natural disaster. What evolutionary mechanism is this?
Genetic drift
This is the formation of new species over time.
Speciation
How can two species look similar but not be closely related?
Convergent evolution
Why is molecular evidence often considered strong evidence for evolution?
DNA comparisons are precise and show relationships clearly
How does natural selection lead to changes in a population over many generations?
Beneficial traits increase in frequency
What instrument does Mrs. Shepherd play
flute