Evolution

Question 1

What is the theory of evolution?

Answer 1

Life on earth began 3 billion years ago as simple organisms, from which more complex organisms evolved.

Question 2

Give 2 reasons why ancestors of the modern horse have grown longer legs

Answer 2

• So they are able to run faster.

- So they can become taller.

Question 3

What are the aspects of natural selection?

Answer 3

• Variation within species caused by different genes.

- Best adapted animals and plants are likely to survive.

Question 4

What was Darwin’s theory?

Answer 4

• 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.

Question 5

What is mutation?

Answer 5

A change in an organism’s DNA.

Question 6

Why didn’t everyone agree with Darwin’s theory?

Answer 6

• 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.

Question 7

What was Lamarck’s theory?

Answer 7

• 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.

Question 8

Whose theory was rejected and why?

Answer 8

• 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.

Question 9

Whose theory was supported and why?

Answer 9

• Darwin’s
• Genetics supported the theory as it provided evidence of how organisms born with useful characteristics can be passed on.

Question 10

What are the for and against reasons to natural selection?

Answer 10

For
- Genes are changes for benefit.

Against
- Things cannot survive and genes are not passed on.