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evolution unit test Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the definition of a species?

A

A group of organisms whose members can breed with one another and produce fertile young.

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2
Q

When did polar bears first appear?

A

100,000 years ago.

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3
Q

From which bear are polar bears believed to have evolved?

A

Alaskan Brown Bear.

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4
Q

What is evolution?

A

The idea that all species are descendants of ancient species that were different from modern-day species.

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5
Q

Who developed the theory of evolution?

A

Charles Darwin.

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6
Q

What is a theory?

A

A set of statements that explains a group of facts or phenomena, supported by evidence.

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7
Q

What are Darwin’s four main ideas about evolution? List them.

A
  • Organisms produce more offspring than can survive.
  • Individuals of a population vary extensively, and much of the variation is inheritable.
  • Individuals that are better suited to local conditions survive to produce more offspring.
  • Processes for change are slow and gradual.
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8
Q

What idea did Georges Cuvier challenge?

A

The idea that all species were the same as they had always been.

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9
Q

What did Cuvier conclude about some organisms?

A

Some organisms could disappear over time.

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10
Q

What is the theory of uniformitarianism?

A

The present-day Earth was the result of constantly changing, very slow processes.

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11
Q

What is an adaptation?

A

An inherited characteristic that allows for survival and successful reproduction.

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12
Q

What hypothesis did Lamarck propose about adaptations?

A

Body parts changed based on the behaviors of the creature, and enhanced characteristics were passed onto offspring.

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13
Q

What was the main observation from Darwin’s journey on the HMS Beagle?

A

Species varied globally, locally, and over time.

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14
Q

What book did Darwin read that influenced his theory during his voyage?

A

Lyell’s Principles of Geology.

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15
Q

What did Darwin realize from Thomas Malthus’s essay?

A

The concept of overpopulation could be applied to other species, causing a struggle for survival.

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16
Q

Fill in the blank: An adaptation is an inherited characteristic that allows for _______.

A

[survival and successful reproduction]

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17
Q

True or False: Lamarck was completely correct in his ideas about evolution.

A

False.

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18
Q
A
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19
Q

What is an adaptation?

A

A structure, behavior or physiological process that helps an organism survive and reproduce in a particular environment.

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20
Q

What happens to species with well-suited characteristics to environmental conditions?

A

They survive longer, find mates, and produce more offspring with similar well-suited characteristics.

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21
Q

What are structural adaptations?

A

Physical features of an organism that enable them to survive in their environment.

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22
Q

Give an example of mimicry.

A

Harmless species resemble a harmful species to avoid predation.

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23
Q

What is an example of existing structures taking on new functions?

A

The wings of penguins remodelled into powerful flippers for swimming.

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24
Q

What are physiological adaptations?

A

Internal and/or cellular features of an organism that enable them to survive in their environment.

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25
Give an example of a physiological adaptation in desert plants.
Cacti have specialized tissues that hold or absorb water.
26
What is an example of a behavior adaptation?
Poison-dart frogs having brightly colored and toxic skin.
27
What is coevolution?
The process in which one species evolves in response to the evolutionary changes in another species.
28
What is hibernation?
A behavioral adaptation that allows animals to survive in climates with harsh winters.
29
How are adaptations developed?
Through gradual accumulative changes that help an organism survive and reproduce.
30
What causes variations within a species?
Different combinations of genetic information (alleles) inherited from parents.
31
What is a mutation?
A permanent change in the genetic material of an organism.
32
What is a selective advantage?
A genetic advantage that improves an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction.
33
How quickly do species that reproduce quickly adapt?
They adapt quickly to changing conditions.
34
Give an example of a species that reproduces quickly.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
35
What happens to bacteria that develop an advantageous allele after antibiotic treatment?
They survive and pass that allele on to the next generation.
36
What is Darwin's theory of evolution based on?
Four key observations: * Excessive offspring production * Variations among individuals * Natural surroundings selecting successful variations * Gradual change over time ## Footnote These observations highlight the mechanisms of natural selection.
37
Define natural selection.
The process by which the fittest organisms pass along their traits to their offspring based on environmental pressures ## Footnote This process is often summarized as 'survival of the fittest'.
38
What are the types of selective pressures in natural selection?
Abiotic and biotic environmental conditions ## Footnote Examples include temperature changes, light level changes, changes in predator presence, and changes in competition.
39
What does 'survival of the fittest' imply?
It describes the theory of natural selection but is not wholly accurate ## Footnote Fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, not necessarily being the 'strongest'.
40
What is artificial selection?
The breeding of two organisms to achieve desirable traits in their offspring ## Footnote This is commonly seen in pets and agricultural crops.
41
Provide examples of traits selected through artificial selection.
Examples include: * Cats bred for appearance * Cows bred for increased muscle * Chickens bred for egg production ## Footnote These examples illustrate how humans influence trait development.
42
How does artificial selection support natural selection?
It illustrates the concept of trait inheritance across generations ## Footnote While natural selection is driven by environmental factors, artificial selection is driven by human choices.
43
True or False: Natural selection is a faster process than artificial selection.
False ## Footnote Generally, natural selection occurs more slowly than artificial selection.
44
What is a consequence of selecting for a particular trait in artificial selection?
Other traits may become negatively affected ## Footnote For example, breeding English bulldogs for flat faces has led to respiratory problems.
45
What is a risk associated with artificial selection in agriculture?
Decreased genetic diversity in a population ## Footnote This makes the population less fit for environmental changes and increases vulnerability to diseases.
46
What is monoculture planting?
Planting a large area with one type of plant with little genetic diversity ## Footnote While easier to manage, it poses risks if environmental conditions change.
47
What are gene banks?
Establishments that preserve seeds from early, wild versions of plants ## Footnote They help maintain genetic diversity that modern crops have lost.
48
What is a FOSSIL?
Any ancient remains, impressions or traces of an organism or traces of its activity that have been preserved in rocks or other mineral deposits in Earth’s crust.
49
How is a FOSSIL FORMED?
Fossils are formed when the remains of a buried organism are gradually replaced by mineral deposits after being quickly buried by sediment.
50
Who studies fossils?
Paleontologists
51
What evidence does the fossil record provide? (List 4 points)
* Fossils of very simple organisms are found in all depths of fossil deposits * Fossils of more complex organisms are found only in shallower depths, of younger rock * Fossils in the shallower depths are more likely to resemble living species * Rock layers contain fossils of many species that do not occur in layers above or below them
52
What is BIOGEOGRAPHY?
The study of the past and present geographical distribution of species populations.
53
How does biogeography support the hypothesis that species evolve in one location and then spread out to other regions?
Plants, birds, insects and reptiles are the only kinds of organisms present – they got there by crossing large expanses of open ocean.
54
What are HOMOLOGOUS STRUCTURES?
Structures that have similar structure but different function.
55
Provide examples of HOMOLOGOUS STRUCTURES.
* Human limbs * Frog limbs * Bat limbs
56
What are ANALOGOUS STRUCTURES?
Similar functions but different structures.
57
Provide an example of ANALOGOUS STRUCTURES.
Bird wings and insect wings
58
What evidence do homologous and analogous structures provide to support evolution?
Homologous structures share a common ancestor and evolved based on different lifestyles; analogous structures show independent evolution.
59
What is EMBRYOLOGY?
The study of early, pre-birth stages of an organism’s development.
60
What evidence does embryology provide to support evolution of species from a common ancestor? (Give examples)
Embryos of different organisms exhibit similar stages of development, e.g., fish, chicken, pig, human.
61
What is a VESTIGIAL FEATURE?
A basic non-functioning, or marginally functioning structure that is homologous to a fully functioning structure in a closely related species.
62
Give 2 examples of VESTIGIAL FEATURES.
* Human appendix * Whale pelvic bones
63
Which one of Darwin’s 4 principles was directly related to Thomas Malthus?
Organisms produce more offspring than can survive.
64
What does the principle related to Thomas Malthus describe?
Organisms compete for resources.

Grade 11 Science (12 decks)

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