Basics of Evolution
What do fossils show?
History of life and how species have changed over time.
What is natural selection?
favorable traits survive and reproduce while unfavorable traits die out.
A common misconception about evolution
Anything reasonable answer
("humans came from monkeys"?)
Who proposed the theory of evolution?
Charles Darwin
What are transitional fossils?
fossils that show both ancient and modern species.
What is a mutation?
change in DNA that creates new traits.
Main parts of natural selection? (3 main parts)
variation, inheritance, and survival of the fittest
How do scientists respond to the origin of life question? (surrounding evolution)
evolution explains how life changes, not how it started
Meaning of "survival of the fittest"
Concept that the best-adapted individuals survive and reproduce
Most famous type of transitional fossil? (features of what two species)?
Features of birds and dinosaurs
Difference between micro-evolution and macro-evolution
micro- small evolutionary changes
Marco- big evolutionary changes
Give an example of natural selection
any reasasonable answer
Common myth about evolution?
evolution is a linear process leading to "better" organisms
a shared ancestor from which different species evolved.
old layers = simpler / older life forms
new layers = more complex / newer life forms
How we know humans & chimps are related?
Share a significant amount of DNA
What is sexual selection?
Preference for certain traits in mating
How does evolution explain complex systems?
complexity can develop gradually from simpler forms
What is a species?
a group of similar organs that can reproduce together
What can mass extinction lead to?
Quick/rapid evolution of new species.
What is genetic drift?
random changes in gene frequencies in a population
Example of artificial selection
breeding plants and animals for desired traits
How is the fossil record used to support evolution?
fossils show a timeline of changes in species and shows the changes from old to new species.