7.3/7.4/7.5 - Darwin's Idea of Evolution

Question 1

Darwin’s observations

Answer 1

• Similar flora (plants) & fauna (animals) on the Galapagos as on mainland South America
• Many distinct species of finches & mockingbirds
• Fossilized species were similar to present-day species. Ex. Glyptodon (armadillo) & megatherium (sloths)

Question 2

Fossil record

Answer 2

Historical, chronological record of all-known fossils documenting life on Earth and the evidence of past life

Question 3

Evidence in fossil record

Answer 3

• There are fossils of those no longer living
• Shallow layers resemble living species
• No fossils of most living species
• The deeper layers you get, the more simple the fossils are
• Fossils are buried deep within rock formations; also, they are found in unexpected locations. Ex. Sea life fossils found in mountain formations & deserts

Question 4

Biogeography

Answer 4

Scientific study of geographic distribution of organisms based on both living species & fossils

Question 5

Homologous features

Answer 5

Common origin/structure, but different function

Question 6

Analogous features

Answer 6

Common function, but different structure

Question 7

Vestigial features

Answer 7

Has homologous structure to another species, but it serves no purpose in this species

Question 8

Competitions within populations

Answer 8

Competition within populations, or intraspecific competition, occurs when members of the same species compete for limited resources, leading to reduced fitness and survival for some individuals.

Basically small environment + limited food supply = population cannot grow indefinitely & competition to survive

Question 9

Natural selection

Answer 9

The way in which nature favours the reproductive success of some individuals within a population over others

Question 10

Adaption

Answer 10

Characteristic/feature of species that makes it well suited for survival or reproductive success in its environment