Darwins Discoveries Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is a theory
A Scientific Theory is an explanation or reasoning behind how a phenomenon takes place.
Have been tested many many many times / trials
There may be more than one theory for any phenomenon.
Cannot prove theories 100%
Inferences → Scientific Theories
What is a Scientific Law
A Scientific Law an observation that will always occur for the given circumstances
Differs from a scientific theory in that it does NOT explain phenomena.
Observations → Scientific Laws
Species
Species - an individual organism that CAN interbreed/reproduce with another individual of its SAME SPECIES to produce fertile offspring.
Population
Population - a group of organisms in the same area at the same time.
Charles Darwins Theory
harles Darwin is the person who is recognized with developing the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection - which states that populations* change over a long period of time.
He proposes that this happens by the process is called Natural Selection, which he explained as “survival of the fittest”.
Evolution
Biological evolution is change in population over long period of time (many generations!)
This was NOT a new or Darwin’s original idea, but there was little to support the idea.
What is Natural Selection
Darwin’s idea was to explain how evolution occurs
The process by which organisms that are better adapted (or have helpful traits) to their environment, can survive and reproduce more successfully than less well adapted individuals do.
Less well adapted (have less helpful traits) organisms may die out over time.
What is Artificial Selection
Human Influence on characteristics and behavior.
Domestic Animals
Ex: Chickens, Dogs, Cows
Speciation
Speciation is the process by which new species form.
What are Variations
Variations are differences in the genetic information / traits of individuals of the same species.
Variations are caused by mutations.
What are Adaptations
Adaptation - an inherited characteristics (the result of mutations and variations) that enhance an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.
What are Mutations
Mutations are random errors in the genetic code that are rare, and can be helpful and/or harmful.
What are the 4 parts of Darwins natural Selection
Every population produces more offspring than can survive.
There are variations in a population.
Some variations are more helpful (favorable) to an organism’s survival. The organisms with the helpful (favorable) variations will survive and reproduce more often.
Over time, competition results in more of the population made up of those individuals with the helpful (favorable) variation, while the population of those with the less favorable variation decreases.
What is selective breeding
Selective breeding is the process of breeding plants and animals for particular traits. The term selective breeding is synonymous with artificial selection.
What are evidence of Evolution
- Fossil Records-A fossil is a solidified remain or imprint of a once-living organism
- Vestigial Structures- These structures are thought to be remnants of once-useful structures
- Comparative Anatomy:
Homologous & Analogous Structures - DNA /Protein Analysis
- Embryonic Structures
What is an Homologous Structure
Homologous structures are structures that have similar structures, but different functions (use or job). The similar structure indicates that the organisms may have a common ancestor*.
What is an Analogous structure
Analogous structures are structures that have DIFFERENT structures, but similar functions (use or job).
What are Vestigial structures
These structures are thought to be remnants of once-useful structures
What is DNA
DNA is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the growth, development, and functioning of living organisms. It is made up of molecules called nucleotides, which form a double helix structure.
What is RNA
RNA is a molecule that helps carry out the instructions in DNA by making copies of them to build proteins. It’s similar to DNA but is single-stranded and contains a different sugar and one different base, called uracil, instead of thymine.
What are Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They link together in long chains to form proteins, which help build and repair tissues in the body, and carry out important functions like enzyme activity and immune responses.
What is protein
Proteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and are essential for many functions in the body. DNA provides the instructions for how proteins are made, determining the specific sequence of amino acids that form each unique protein
