Vocabulary
Differences or diversity in genes, traits, or behaviors in a population is called __________________
Genetic Variation
True or false: Mutations are random events that can influence natural selection
True
Vestigial Structures
True or false: embryos look similar during the early stages but some features stay till full development. For example, tails in humans!
False
True or false? The theory of evolution predicts that closely related species will NOT show any similarities in amino acid sequences.
Fasle!
For natural selection, organisms that are best adapted to an environment will (1) _________________ and (2) _________________ more than others.
(1) Survive
(2) Reproduce
What are the the FOUR parts of the Theory of Natural Selection?
Over reproduction, variation, competition, survival of the fittest
What is the difference between the homologous and analogous structures?
Homologous structures show evidence of common ancestry because of similar physical structures BUT analogous structures do not show evidence of common ancestry, only similarity in function.
Define comparative embryology
The study that compares and contracts the embryos of different species, showing common ancestry.
How is DNA responsible for development and function (list out the three steps).
1. In DNA, nucleotide bases code for amino acids.
2. Amino acids build proteins
3. Proteins help your body make cells, repair cells, development of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and fuel your energy.
What is the difference between divergent and convergent evolution?
Divergent evolution is when two organisms with a common ancestor end up evolving as different species but convergent evolution is when different organisms evolve separately but have similar traits.
Explain how the peppered moths were an example of natural selection.
Depending on their environment, the peppered moths either had the traits that helped them adapt or not. For example, in the dark forest the dark moths were able to hide which meant they survived and lived to reproduce. The light peppered moths could not so their population decreased.
Look at the photo and explain how this shows evidence for common ancestry.
The photo shows how different species have the same anatomical structures, such as the humerus or the forearm, but have different function. These differences are in response to environmental changes.
What evidence do embryos provide about common ancestry?
There are similar structures in different species can be seen at an early stage, but develop into specific structures later.
Even if your DNA and a Rhino's DNA is 88% similar, why are you not directly related?
It's because we are only looking at a small segment of DNA and the similarities may not indicate relatedness but the essential needs to sustain life (ex. breathing, cellular respiration)