Mutations and Adaptations
What is a change in an organism’s DNA called?
Mutation
Who is the scientist famous for studying finches in the Galápagos Islands?
Charles Darwin
What type of scientific evidence shows changes in organisms over time?
Fossils
Why might dark-colored moths become more common in a polluted environment?
They are better camouflaged against darkened trees
What is it called when an animal’s coloring helps it blend in with its surroundings?
Concealing Coloration
Give an example of an adaptation
Long necks on giraffes, beak size of galapagos finches, and dark color of peppered moths.
What is the process where organisms better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more?
Natural Selection
How do fossils provide evidence for evolution?
They show gradual changes in organisms over time
What would happen to a species of plant if its environment suddenly changed?
Some might survive better than others, leading to evolution over time
This actress and singer played Maya Hart in the Disney show "Girl Meets World"
Sabrina Carpenter
This is a trait or behavior that helps an organism survive and reproduce
Adaptation
Over time, organisms with beneficial traits become more common in a population. What is this process called?
Evolution
What method do scientists use to determine the age of fossils?
Radioactive Dating
What role does genetic variation play in a population’s survival?
It increases the chances of survival when environments change
Having similar structure but different functions
Homologous Structure
If a mutation causes a giraffe to be born with a longer neck, under what circumstances would this mutation become more common in the population?
If it helps the giraffe reach more food, it would be passed on through natural selection
What is an example of an animal using concealing coloration to avoid predators?
Arctic Hares being white to blend in with snow
What is the geologic time scale
The historical sequence of life
Insects can develop resistance to pesticides over time. How does this happen?
Mutations create resistance, and natural selection allows resistant insects to survive and reproduce
Having different structure but similar function
Analogous Structure
A species of fish living in dark caves slowly loses its eyesight over generations. Why might this be considered an adaptation rather than just a mutation?
If eyesight is not needed and maintaining eyes is energy-consuming, losing sight could be beneficial for survival
Why are homologous structures important in the study of evolution?
They suggest common ancestry between species
What is a vestigial structure? Give an example.
A body part that has lost its original function, such as the human appendix
How do scientists use DNA evidence to understand how species are related?
By comparing genetic sequences to find similarities and determine common ancestry
How might climate change impact the process of natural selection in animal populations?
Changing temperatures and habitats may force species to adapt, migrate, or risk extinction