Evolution Flashcards
(37 cards)
What is macroevolution
evolution that occurs between different species
(example: sharks and dolphins both have a streamlined body, even though dolphins are mammals and sharks are fish)
What is a vestigial structure?
Structures that show a common ancestor, but don’t have any use.
Describe evidence of evolution through anatomy
Living organisms that appear different but have similar structures
(Example: The human hand and birds)
What is an allele?
different versions of the same gene (Example: eye colour)
What type of selective pressure is (Graph 2)
Disruptive
Describe selective breeding:
The selective breeding of organisms by humans to increase desirable traits (example: breeding dogs with poodles to become hypoallergenic: Labradoodle)
Describe evidence of evolution from fossils:
Fossils found in young layers of rock are much more similar to living organisms than fossils found in older layers of rock.
What is a transitional fossil:
Fossils that are showing the “in between” moments of evolution.
Give an example of evidence of evolution through DNA
Apes and humans
Describe directional selection
When one extreme is selected
(Example: only dark moths can camouflage into trees)
What is variation
Differences between individuals of the same species.
What is microevolution?
evolution that occurs within a species due to genetic variation
Describe sexual selection:
When female organisms select male mates based on certain desirable traits
What is a structural adaptation, and give an example?
a physical feature in an organism that helps it survive (example: giraffe’s long necks)
Give an example of a vestigial structure:
The human tail bone
What is a gene?
a section of DNA that codes for a particular trait
Describe stabilizing selection
When the extremes of both sides are selected against and the average is favoured
(Example: human babies; born to big = die. born too small = die. Average is favoured)
What is a analogous structures?
Similar features between species, but do not share a common ancestor, but have a similar functions
Describe evidence of evolution through biogeography
The study of how animals change based on their environments
Describe disruptive selection
Where both extremes are favoured, and the average is selected against
(seed cracking bird only have small or large beaks, not medium)
What is mutation?
a permanent change in the genetic material of an organism due to environmental factors
Who is Charles Darwin?
A scientist from England who founded the theory of evolution.
Give an example of evidence of evolution through biogeography
How organisms that are geographically close are more likely to have related species
What is a physiological adaptation, and give an example?
internal changeds in the body that help an organism survive (example: camel’s ability to store water)
