Evolution Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is evolution?
Evolution is the process through which species of organisms change over time through variations and natural selection.
True or False: Evolution can occur through both natural selection and artificial selection.
True
Fill in the blank: The theory of evolution was first extensively described by __________.
Charles Darwin
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Define ‘adaptation’ in the context of evolution.
Adaptation is a trait that enhances an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
What are mutations?
Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits in an organism.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution? A) Mutation B) Genetic Drift C) Photosynthesis D) Gene Flow
C) Photosynthesis
What is genetic drift?
Genetic drift is the random change in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to significant changes over time.
True or False: All mutations are harmful to an organism.
False
What is speciation?
Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing species.
Fill in the blank: The concept of ‘survival of the fittest’ is often associated with __________.
natural selection
What is a fossil?
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism.
Multiple Choice: Which type of evidence supports the theory of evolution? A) Fossil records B) Comparative anatomy C) Molecular biology D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the role of the environment in evolution?
The environment influences which traits are advantageous, thus affecting which organisms survive and reproduce.
True or False: Evolution is a linear process leading to more complex organisms.
False
What is a common ancestor?
A common ancestor is an ancestral species from which different species have evolved.
Define ‘fitness’ in the context of evolution.
Fitness refers to an organism’s ability to survive, reproduce, and pass on its genes to the next generation.
What is the significance of the Galápagos Islands in the study of evolution?
The Galápagos Islands were crucial in Charles Darwin’s observations of species variation and adaptation.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a type of evolution that occurs when populations are geographically separated.
Allopatric speciation
What is convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution is the process where unrelated organisms evolve similar traits due to adapting to similar environments.
True or False: Homologous structures indicate a common evolutionary origin.
True
What are vestigial structures?
Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or structures that had a function in an early ancestor but are no longer functional.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of artificial selection? A) Antibiotic resistance B) Dog breeding C) Natural disasters D) Climate change
B) Dog breeding
What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?
Genetic variation is essential for a population’s ability to adapt to changing environments and survive.
