Variation and Evolution Flashcards
1
Q
What is variation?
A
Variation describes the differences in the characteristics of individuals.
2
Q
What might variation be a result of?
A
- Genetic and environment
3
Q
What is evolution?
A
Evolution is the gradual change of inherited characteristics of biological populations over time.
4
Q
When does speciation happen?
A
When two animal populations diverge (separate or split) a lot.
5
Q
What are the two main sources of evidence of evolution?
A
- Antibiotic resistant bacteria
- Fossils
6
Q
What are the causes of fossilisation?
A
- Hardening soft materials
- Mineral replacement
- Where decay isn’t possible –> peat bags and glaciers
7
Q
What does Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection propose?
A
All species have evolved from simple life forms that first appeared on Earth more than three billion years ago.
8
Q
What are the steps for natural selection?
A
- Genetic variation
- Survival of the fittest
- Successful breeding
- Best characteristics survive
9
Q
What opposing points did Darwin face?
A
- Religion
- Inconclusive evidence
- Genes were yet to be discovered
