Evolution
What is evolution?
The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and change over time.
What is fossil record?
all information about past life
that can provide evidence about the history of
life on Earth.
What is natural selection?
The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully.
What is a cladogram?
A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among different species based on shared characteristics.
What did Darwin discover about the finches?
Finches had different beaks adapted to their type of food gathering
Who is known as the father of evolution?
Charles Darwin.
Name one type of evidence that supports the theory of evolution.
Comparative anatomy, molecular biology, or embryology.
Name one factor that can affect natural selection.
Environmental changes, competition for resources, or predation, variation.
What do the branches of a cladogram represent?
The branches represent the divergence of species from a common ancestor.
What was the ship that Darwin traveled on?
HMS Beagle
What can cause genetic changes in populations?
Mutations, environmental changes, Genetic Drift, Gene Flow
What are vestigial structures?
Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.
What is "survival of the fittest"?
A phrase that describes the idea that the individuals best suited for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
How can a cladogram help scientists understand evolution?
Cladograms help visualize relationships and the evolutionary history of species, showing how they have evolved over time.
What was the name of Darwin's book?
On the Origin of Species
What is the main idea of Darwin's theory of evolution?
Natural selection acts on variations in traits within a population, leading to adaptations over time.
How does DNA evidence support evolution?
Similarities in DNA sequences among different species suggest common ancestry and evolutionary relationships.
What is an adaptation?
A trait that improves an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
What is a derived characteristic?
A trait that is present in an organism but absent in its last common ancestor.
What animal was the archipelago named after?
Tortoise
What are homologous structures and what do they indicate about evolution?
Homologous structures are body parts in different species that share a common ancestry, indicating evolutionary relationships.
What is the law of superposition?
In a sequence of rocks, each layer is younger than
the one below it and older than the one above it.
Explain how natural selection can lead to speciation.
Over time, populations that are separated by environmental factors can evolve differently, leading to the formation of new species.
Why are cladograms important in studying biodiversity?
Cladograms help scientists categorize and understand the connections and evolution of various species, aiding in conservation efforts.
How many islands were in the archipelago that Charles Darwin went to?
16