Darwins Discovery Flashcards
(152 cards)
1
Q
Who proposed the theory of ‘survival of the fittest’?
A
Charles Darwin
2
Q
True or False: ‘Survival of the fittest’ means only the strongest animals survive.
A
False
3
Q
Fill in the blank: The process by which species change over time is called __________.
A
evolution
4
Q
What is natural selection?
A
The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
5
Q
Multiple Choice: What does ‘fitness’ refer to in the context of evolution? A) Physical strength B) Ability to survive and reproduce C) Speed D) Size
A
B) Ability to survive and reproduce
6
Q
True or False: All members of a species are exactly the same.
A
False
7
Q
What is a key factor that leads to natural selection?
A
Variation among individuals in a population.
8
Q
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a component of natural selection? A) Variation B) Overproduction C) Inheritance D) Education
A
D) Education
9
Q
How does competition affect natural selection?
A
Organisms compete for limited resources, which influences survival and reproduction.
10
Q
True or False: Adaptations are changes that occur in an organism’s lifetime.
A
False
11
Q
What is an adaptation?
A
A trait that enhances an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
12
Q
What role does the environment play in natural selection?
A
The environment determines which traits are favorable for survival.
13
Q
Multiple Choice: Which of these is an example of an adaptation? A) A lion’s roar B) A bird’s beak shape C) A fish’s color D) All of the above
A
D) All of the above
14
Q
True or False: Natural selection can lead to the development of new species.
A
True
15
Q
What does it mean for a species to be ‘fit’?
A
It means the species is well-suited to its environment and can reproduce successfully.
16
Q
Fill in the blank: Darwin’s observations of __________ helped him formulate his ideas on natural selection.
A
finches
17
Q
What is the main idea of Darwin’s theory?
A
Species evolve over time through the process of natural selection.
18
Q
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes ‘survival of the fittest’? A) The strongest survive B) The most adaptable survive C) The fastest survive D) The largest survive
A
B) The most adaptable survive
19
Q
True or False: Natural selection occurs at the level of the individual organism.
A
True
20
Q
What is one way organisms can show variation?
A
Differences in physical traits, such as size, color, or shape.
21
Q
True or False: An observation can be made using only the senses.
A
True.
22
Q
Fill in the blank: An inference is a conclusion drawn from _______.
A
observations.
23
Q
What is a theory in scientific terms?
A
A well-tested explanation for a set of observations or experimental results.
24
Q
True or False: A theory can become a law if it is proven correct.
A
False.
25
What is a scientific law?
Describes what happens Based on repeated observations Always true under the same conditions
26
What does evolution refer to?
The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms.
27
True or False: Evolution happens quickly and is always visible.
False.
28
Fill in the blank: A species is a group of organisms that can _______.
interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
29
What is a population in biological terms?
A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
30
True or False: All species can adapt to their environment through evolution.
False.
31
Fill in the blank: The process of change in species over time is known as _______.
evolution.
32
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
A hypothesis is a prediction, while a theory is an explanation.
33
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes natural selection? A) Random changes in DNA B) Survival of the fittest C) All species are equal D) Instantaneous evolution
B) Survival of the fittest.
34
What role do mutations play in evolution?
Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to evolutionary changes.
35
What is the significance of Charles Darwin's work?
He proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
36
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of an observation? A) The sky is blue B) Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius C) Plants grow towards light D) All of the above
D) All of the above.
37
Fill in the blank: Variations within a species can be due to _______.
genetic mutations.
38
Multiple Choice: Which of the following can lead to speciation? A) Geographic isolation B) Genetic drift C) Natural selection D) All of the above
D) All of the above.
39
True or False: Evolution is a goal-oriented process.
False.
40
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution? A) Mutation B) Gene flow C) Natural selection D) Photosynthesis
D) Photosynthesis.
41
True or False: All traits are equally advantageous for survival.
False.
42
What does it mean for a species to be endangered?
It is at risk of extinction.
43
Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors can lead to a decrease in population size? A) Increased birth rate B) Habitat loss C) Improved health care D) All of the above
B) Habitat loss.
44
True or False: Evolution can occur in a single generation.
False.
45
Fill in the blank: The concept of _______ explains how species adapt to their environment over time.
natural selection.
46
What is genetic drift?
A change in allele frequencies in a population due to random sampling.
47
True or False: All species are capable of rapid evolution.
False.
48
What is the process by which organisms change over time to better survive in their environment?
Adaptation
49
True or False: Natural selection is the process where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
True
50
What term describes the intentional breeding of organisms to produce desired traits?
Artificial selection
51
Fill in the blank: Variation in a population can be caused by _______ and environmental factors.
Mutations
52
What are changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits called?
Mutations
53
How do offspring inherit traits from their parents?
Through genes
54
What is the term for a developing organism in the early stages of growth?
Embryo
55
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a factor of natural selection? A) Variation B) Overproduction C) Genetic Engineering D) Survival
C) Genetic Engineering
56
True or False: All variations in a population are beneficial for survival.
False
57
What is the main advantage of mutation in a population?
It introduces genetic diversity.
58
Fill in the blank: The offspring of two parents receive _______ from each parent.
Half of their genes
59
What is an example of a trait that might be favored by natural selection?
Camouflage in prey species
60
Multiple Choice: Which process can lead to new species over time? A) Natural selection B) Artificial selection C) Both A and B D) None of the above
C) Both A and B
61
True or False: Embryos of different species often show similarities in early development.
True
62
What is the significance of variation in a population for evolution?
It allows for adaptation to changing environments.
63
What is a homologous structure?
A homologous structure is an anatomical feature in different species that shares a common ancestry, even if it has different functions.
64
Give an example of a homologous structure.
The forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats are examples of homologous structures.
65
What is an analogous structure?
An analogous structure is a feature in different species that serves a similar function but does not share a common ancestry.
66
True or False: Wings of birds and wings of insects are homologous structures.
False. They are analogous structures.
67
What is a vestigial structure?
A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution.
68
Give an example of a vestigial structure in humans.
The human appendix is an example of a vestigial structure.
69
What type of evidence does DNA provide for evolution?
DNA evidence shows the genetic similarities and differences between species, supporting the idea of common ancestry.
70
True or False: Fossil records provide evidence for evolution.
True.
71
What does the fossil record show about extinct species?
The fossil record shows the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for how species have changed over time.
72
How do homologous structures support the theory of evolution?
They indicate that different species have evolved from a common ancestor.
73
What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?
Homologous structures share a common ancestry; analogous structures serve similar functions but do not.
74
What can vestigial structures tell us about evolution?
They can indicate how species have adapted over time and what features were once necessary.
75
What do scientists use to determine evolutionary relationships between species?
Scientists use DNA evidence, fossil records, and anatomical structures.
76
True or False: Fossil records only show the species that are currently alive.
False. Fossil records include both extinct and extant species.
77
What is the main difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?
A scientific law describes a consistent and universal observation, while a scientific theory explains why those observations occur.
78
True or False: Scientific laws can be proven wrong.
False. Scientific laws are based on repeated observations and are generally accepted as true.
79
Fill in the blank: A scientific _______ provides a framework for understanding and explaining phenomena.
theory
80
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
81
What is artificial selection?
Artificial selection is the intentional breeding of organisms to produce desired traits.
82
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of artificial selection? A) Evolution of antibiotic resistance B) Breeding dogs for specific traits C) Changes in plant species due to climate
B) Breeding dogs for specific traits
83
True or False: Natural selection can occur without human intervention.
True
84
List the three categories of adaptation.
Structural, behavioral, and physiological adaptations.
85
What type of adaptation involves changes in an organism's physical structure?
Structural adaptation
86
What type of adaptation includes changes in an organism's actions or behaviors?
Behavioral adaptation
87
Fill in the blank: A _______ adaptation involves internal processes that help an organism survive.
physiological
88
Multiple choice: Which is NOT a category of adaptation? A) Structural B) Behavioral C) Emotional D) Physiological
C) Emotional
89
Short answer: Why is natural selection considered a key mechanism of evolution?
Natural selection leads to the gradual change in species over time as advantageous traits are passed on to future generations.
90
True or False: Artificial selection can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity.
True
91
What role does environmental change play in natural selection?
Environmental change can create new challenges that drive the process of natural selection by favoring certain traits.
92
What are homologous structures?
Structures in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry.
93
True or False: Analogous structures arise from common ancestry.
False
94
Fill in the blank: Vestigial structures are remnants of _______ that no longer serve a purpose.
evolutionary ancestors
95
What is the fossil record?
A historical sequence of life documented by fossils.
96
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?
A) Whale pelvis
B) Bat wing
C) Human arm
D) Bird beak
A) Whale pelvis
97
What type of evidence does DNA provide in support of evolution?
Molecular evidence showing genetic similarities and differences among species.
98
True or False: Embryonic development stages can show evolutionary relationships between species.
True
99
What is the significance of homologous structures in evolutionary biology?
They demonstrate common descent and evolutionary relationships.
100
Fill in the blank: Analogous structures are similar in function but evolved _______ due to convergent evolution.
independently
101
What do vestigial structures indicate about a species' evolutionary history?
They suggest that the species has changed over time and that certain features are no longer necessary.
102
Multiple choice: Which of the following provides direct evidence of extinct species?
A) DNA evidence
B) Fossil record
C) Embryonic development
D) Homologous structures
B) Fossil record
103
What is one example of an analogous structure?
The wings of insects and birds.
104
True or False: DNA evidence can be used to construct phylogenetic trees.
True
105
What role do embryonic similarities play in understanding evolution?
They provide insights into the evolutionary relationships among species.
106
Fill in the blank: The presence of similar genes in different species supports the theory of _______.
common descent
107
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence for evolution?
A) Fossil record
B) Vestigial structures
C) Climate change
D) DNA evidence
C) Climate change
108
What is a key characteristic of vestigial structures?
They are reduced in size and function compared to their ancestral counterparts.
109
True or False: Homologous structures can be found in organisms that are not closely related.
False
110
What evidence do scientists use to trace evolutionary changes over time?
Fossil records and DNA evidence.
111
Fill in the blank: The study of embryonic development can reveal _______ similarities among different species.
morphological
112
What is the primary purpose of animal adaptations in reproduction?
To increase the likelihood of successful mating and offspring survival.
113
True or False: Brightly colored plumage in male birds is often used to attract females.
True
114
Fill in the blank: Many animals exhibit _______ behaviors to attract mates, such as singing or dancing.
courtship
115
What type of reproductive strategy involves producing many offspring with low parental investment?
r-strategy
116
What is an example of a structural adaptation in animals that aids in reproduction?
The presence of antlers in male deer.
117
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a benefit of parental care in animals? A) Increased offspring survival B) Decreased mating opportunities C) Higher energy expenditure
A) Increased offspring survival
118
What is the term for the process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to sexual selection?
Sexual dimorphism
119
True or False: Some species use pheromones to communicate reproductive readiness.
True
120
Which animal is known for elaborate courtship displays involving dance?
The peacock.
121
Fill in the blank: In many species, males compete for _______ to increase their chances of reproduction.
mates
122
What is the primary advantage of internal fertilization over external fertilization?
Increased protection of embryos.
123
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a common reproductive adaptation? A) Coloration B) Nest building C) Hibernation
C) Hibernation
124
What role do vocalizations play in the reproductive behavior of some animals?
They serve to attract mates and establish territory.
125
True or False: Monogamous species are those that mate with multiple partners during a breeding season.
False
126
What is the significance of parental investment in ensuring reproductive success?
It enhances the survival rates of offspring.
127
Fill in the blank: The _______ of an animal can influence its mating success through traits such as size and strength.
physical condition
128
What adaptation allows some fish to protect their eggs from predators?
Creating nests or guarding the eggs.
129
Multiple Choice: In which type of mating system do males and females form long-term pair bonds? A) Polygamy B) Monogamy C) Promiscuity
B) Monogamy
130
What is an example of a behavioral adaptation that supports reproduction in many species?
Territorial displays to ward off rivals.
131
True or False: All animals have the same reproductive strategies regardless of their environment.
False
132
133
What is the process by which organisms change over time through inherited traits?
Natural selection
134
True or False: Natural selection is a random process.
False
135
What is the first step of Darwin's natural selection?
Variation among individuals
136
Fill in the blank: The _____ of a species refers to the differences in traits among individuals.
Variation
137
What is the second step of Darwin's natural selection?
Overproduction of offspring
138
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of natural selection? A) Peppered moths B) Weather changes C) Both A and B
C) Both A and B
139
What is the third step of Darwin's natural selection?
Survival of the fittest
140
True or False: Only the strongest individuals survive in natural selection.
False
141
What is the fourth step of Darwin's natural selection?
Reproduction
142
Fill in the blank: The Galapagos finches are an example of adaptive radiation due to _____ selection.
Natural
143
What trait did the peppered moths exhibit that was significant for natural selection?
Color variation
144
Multiple Choice: In the case of the peppered moth, which color became more common during the Industrial Revolution? A) Light B) Dark C) Both
B) Dark
145
What does 'fitness' refer to in the context of natural selection?
An organism's ability to survive and reproduce
146
True or False: Genetic mutations can lead to variation in a population.
True
147
What role does the environment play in natural selection?
It influences which traits are advantageous for survival.
148
Fill in the blank: Natural selection can lead to the _____ of new species over time.
Evolution
149
What is the significance of the finch beak size in the Galapagos Islands?
It varies based on available food sources, demonstrating adaptation.
150
Multiple Choice: Which of the following concepts is NOT part of Darwin's theory of natural selection? A) Variation B) Competition C) Inheritance of acquired traits
C) Inheritance of acquired traits
151
In natural selection, what happens to traits that enhance survival and reproduction?
They become more common in the population over generations.
152
True or False: Natural selection can occur in a short period.
True
