Evolution Flashcards
1
Q
What is the theory of evolution?
A
Life on earth began 3 billion years ago as simple organisms, from which more complex organisms evolved.
2
Q
Give 2 reasons why ancestors of the modern horse have grown longer legs
A
- So they are able to run faster.
- So they can become taller.
3
Q
What are the aspects of natural selection?
A
- Variation within species caused by different genes.
- Best adapted animals and plants are likely to survive.
4
Q
What was Darwin’s theory?
A
- Natural selection➡️those in species have variation because of the differences in genes.
- Individuals with better adapted characteristics to their environment have a better chance of survival and likely to breed better.
- The genes that are responsible for the useful characteristics are more likely to be passed on to offspring.
5
Q
What is mutation?
A
A change in an organism’s DNA.
6
Q
Why didn’t everyone agree with Darwin’s theory?
A
- First possible explanation for the start of existence without God.
- Couldn’t explain why these useful characteristics appeared or how they were passed on.
- Wasn’t enough evidence to convince scientists as not many other studies had been done.
7
Q
What was Lamarck’s theory?
A
- Thought that if characteristics were used a lot by an organism, then the characteristic would develop.
- Believed these acquired characteristics would be passed on to the next generation.
8
Q
Whose theory was rejected and why?
A
- Lamarck’s theory
- Experiments did not support the hypothesis. For example if a woman dyed their hair purple and then had a child, the child would not have purple hair.
9
Q
Whose theory was supported and why?
A
- Darwin’s
- Genetics supported the theory as it provided evidence of how organisms born with useful characteristics can be passed on.
10
Q
What are the for and against reasons to natural selection?
A
For
- Genes are changes for benefit.
Against
- Things cannot survive and genes are not passed on.
