The BIG issues Flashcards
(7 cards)
Does evolutionary theory primarily focus on the origin of life?
No, it mainly focuses on how life has changed and diversified after its origin
How do chance and randomness factor into evolution?
Mutation is random, generating genetic variation, but natural selection is non-random, shaping adaptations
Does natural selection mean evolution is progressive?
No, natural selection improves survival and reproduction abilities but evolution is not inherently progressive
How does natural selection operate on genetic variation?
It selects individuals with traits that help survival or reproduction; mutation creates variation randomly, independent of need
Why can’t natural selection produce perfectly engineered traits?
Due to trade-offs, existing traits constrain future evolution, and improving one trait might worsen another
Is there always a conflict between science and religion regarding evolution?
No, many people reconcile science and religion without contradiction
Are all traits adaptations?
No, some traits are by-products of other processes and not adaptive (e.g., the red color of blood is a by-product of its chemistry, not an adaptation)
