Evolution

Question 1

What is a concise definition of biological evolution?

Answer 1

A change in the allele frequency of a population’s gene pool over successive generations

Question 2

What is a pentadactyl limb?

Answer 2

A limb with 5 digits, such as a human hand or foot
- Found in many amphibia, reptiles, birds, and mammals (animals)
- Can allow us to deduce that all species in these categories derived from one common ancestor.

Question 3

What is a homologous structure?

Answer 3

Structures derived from a common ancestor but found in different species. They share a similar form, but not always the same function.

Question 4

What are melanistic insects?

Answer 4

Insect, e.g. Moths, which have a dark form because of an increased amount of pigmentation (melanin)

Question 5

What is divergent evolution?

Answer 5

A process where the genes found in 2, or more, populations (or species) become gradually more different with each successive generation - as a result of different selection pressures in natural selection

Question 6

What are heritable characteristics?

Answer 6

Characteristics that can be passed down from one generation to the next through genes

Question 7

What is adaptive radiation?

Answer 7

An evolutionary pattern in which several species evolve from a single ancestor species, each with different adaptations for their habitat.

Question 8

What is selective breeding?

Answer 8

The breeding of selected organisms which have desired traits - so that their offspring will have similar desirable characteristics