Evolution

Question 1

What is evolution?

Answer 1

A slow process of change and development

Question 2

What causes evolution?

Answer 2

Changes in climate, disease/parasite epidemics, or competition for food

Question 3

Evolution can include…

Answer 3

Natural selection, migration, mutation

Question 4

Changes in horse as a species over time

Answer 4

4-1 toes, long molars to short, elongated face, longer neck, size is bigger, etc.

Question 5

1st stage of evolution in the horse

Answer 5

Eohippus

Question 6

Facts about the eohippus…

Answer 6

55 million years ago, aka “dawn horse”, 10-20 inches, 4 front toes, 3 rear toes, originally in Great Plains

Question 7

2nd stage of evolution in the horse

Answer 7

Mesohippus

Question 8

Facts about mesohippus…

Answer 8

37-32 million years ago, aka “middle horse”, 24 inches, 3 front toes, 3 rear toes

Question 9

3rd stage of evolution in the horse

Answer 9

Merychippus

Question 10

Facts about merychippus…

Answer 10

17 million years ago, 10 hands (40in), larger brain

Question 11

4th stage of evolution in the horse

Answer 11

Plioihippus

Question 12

Facts about pliohippus…

Answer 12

12-6 million years ago, 1st single hoofed equine, 12 hands, “more horse”, toe. Reduction- long splint bones, high crowned molars