Evolution Theory

Question 1

Define evolution

Answer 1

Genetic changes in populations that are inherited over successive generations / descent with modification

Question 2

Characteristics of micro-evolution

Answer 2

Small scale changes within a species passed on to offspring
Results in genetic diversity in populations
Shorter timescale than macro-evolution

Question 3

Characteristics of macro-evolution

Answer 3

Development of a new species from earlier species over many generations
Results in species diversity
Longer timescale than micro-evolution

Question 4

Four types of evidence for evolution

Answer 4

Fossils and the fossil record
Descent with modification / homologous characteristics
Biogeography
Genetics

Question 5

Define fossils

Answer 5

The remains or imprints of organisms, usually preserved in rocks

Question 6

What is the fossil record?

Answer 6

An accumulation of all known fossils of different ages for a particular area

Question 7

What is paleontology?

Answer 7

The study of fossils

Question 8

What is a paleontologist?

Answer 8

A scientist who studies fossils

Question 9

What is stratigraphy?

Answer 9

The classification of deeper rock layers as older and successive layers as younger

Question 10

Define geological timescale

Answer 10

A system of chronological dating that classifies geological strata (layers of rock) in time

Question 11

How do fossils provide evidence of evolution?

Answer 11

Simpler species are found in deeper, older rocks, while more recent and complex species are found in the upper, more recent rocks

Question 12

Define homologous structure

Answer 12

Equivalent structures with the same body plan that might perform different functions

Question 13

How do homologous structures provide evidence of evolution?

Answer 13

The same structure can be traced back to a common ancestor

Question 14

Define analogous structure

Answer 14

Structures that do not have the same body plan but happen to perform the same function

Question 15

What do analogous structures provide evidence of?

Answer 15

Convergent evolution

Question 16

What is a vestigial structure?

Answer 16

Structures that persist in an organism even though they are no longer functional (e.g. pelvic girdle bones in whales)

Question 17

What comparative anatomy is used as evidence for common ancestry of all life?

Answer 17

Identical DNA structure
Identical protein synthesis process
Same 20 amino acids
Same metabolic processes and enzymes
ATP as the universal energy carrier

Question 18

How do genetics provide evidence of evolution?

Answer 18

More closely related species have more DNA sequences (+genes) in common
More distantly related species have fewer DNA sequences (+genes) in common

Question 19

Define species

Answer 19

A group of living organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring

Question 20

What is discontinuous variation?

Answer 20

Variation in which types are grouped into discrete categories with few/no intermediate phenotypes
Typically single allele characteristics
(Use bar graph)

Question 21

What is continuous variation?

Answer 21

Variation that has no limit on the value/variation that can occur within a population
Typically multiple allele characteristics
(Use line graph/histogram)