intro to evolution

Question 1

what is evolution?

Answer 1

the change of groups of organisms over the course of generations

Question 2

what was lamarck’s theory of lineage complexicity?

Answer 2

• recently originated life is more simple
• older lineages of species are more complex, as they had more time to develop

Question 3

explain the theory of evolution by natural selection according to “origin of species”

Answer 3

• more individuals of each species are born than can possibly survive
  -> struggle for existence
  -> any (genomic) variation that will profit an animal however slightly, will give it a better chance of survival
• from the strong principle of inheritance, selected variety will tend to propagate its new and modified form

Question 4

what are differences in theory of evolution between darwin and wallace?

Answer 4

darwin: emphasised competition between individuals

wallace: emphasised environmental pressures

Question 5

why is blending theory of inheritance not compatible with darwin theory of natural selection?

Answer 5

eventually the phenotypic traits derived from gene variation would blend to the point of identicality