4.6.2.2 Evolution

Question 1

Evolution:

Answer 1

the change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time through a process of natural selection which may result in the formation of a new species

Question 2

What does the theory of evolution state?

Answer 2

the theory of evolution by natural selection states that all species of living things have evolved from simple life forms that first developed more than 3 billion years ago

Question 3

How does evolution occur?

Answer 3

• evolution occurs through natural selection - selection of variants that give rise to phenotypes best suited to their environment
• mutations occur which provide variation between organisms
• if a mutation provides a survival advantage the organism is more lively to survive to breeding age
• the mutation will then be passed onto offspring
• over many generations, the frequency of the mutation will increase within the population

Question 4

When are 2 new species formed?

Answer 4

if 2 populations of one species become so different in phenotype that they can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring they have formed 2 new species - speciation