10.4 Evidence for Evolution Flashcards
Define evolution. (2 marks)
The cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of a population.
Explain the theory of natural selection. (2 marks)
The organisms best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their characteristics to their offspring.
Explain why the theory of evolution caused some controversy when first put forward in the 1890s. (2 marks)
Most people believed in God, some people believed this contradicted that belief.
Suggesting we evolved from apes was considered an insult.
What are the four main sources of evidence for evolution? (4 marks)
Palaeontology
Comparative anatomy
Comparative biochemistry
Evolutionary embryology
What is palaeontology? (1 mark)
The study of fossils and the fossil record.
Is the fossil record complete? (1 mark)
No
What is comparative anatomy? (1 mark)
The study of similarities and differences between organisms’ anatomy.
What is comparative biochemistry? (1 mark)
The study of similarities and differences between the chemical makeup of organisms.
Give three types of evidence provided by the fossil record. (3 marks)
The sequence in which the organisms are found.
The age of the rock the organisms’ fossil is found in.
The study of similarities between the anatomy of fossil organisms.
The study of similarities between extinct and living organisms.
What is homologous structure? (2 marks)
A structure that appears superficially different in organisms, but has the same underlying structure.
What do homologous structures provide evidence for? (1 mark)
Divergent evolution.
Name the two most important molecules studied in comparative biochemistry. (2 marks)
Cytochrome C
Ribosomal RNA
