Lesson 1-Intro to Evolution

Question 1

What is Evolution?

Answer 1

Evolution is the relative change in the
characteristics of populations that
occurs over successive generations

Question 2

Diversity of Life

Answer 2

Diversity is the cornerstone of evolutionary
biology

Not all individuals of a species are exactly alike

Differences between individuals are not always
immediately visible

Diversity is important for the long term
survival of a species

Question 3

Biodiversity

Answer 3

Differences in characteristics between individuals may be:
- Advantageous
- Harmful
- Neutral

Characteristic may not give an individual
an advantage now, but may become
critical for survival later if the
environment changes

Question 4

What controls the characteristics of
individuals?

Answer 4

GENES

There are different versions of genes, known as alleles, in a population which is the basis of biodiversity.

Gene pool
– total of all genes in a population

Question 5

Who can evolve?

Answer 5

Individuals cannot evolve!
- Individuals cannot change their genes.
Populations are the smallest unit that can evolve.

Question 6

Why would populations evolve?

Answer 6

So that a population becomes better
suited to its habitats.
- Increased survival
- Better chance of passing on characteristics to
offspring.

Takes place over many generations.

Question 7

How does a population evolve?

Answer 7

A shift in the gene pool so that a higher ratio of individuals have a particular adaptation.

Adaptation
- a particular structure, physiology or
behaviour that helps an organism survive and
reproduce in a particular environment.
- e.g. camouflage, superb sense of smell, bill shape