Evolution

• What is variation?


  Differences in traits within a population
• What is inheritance?


  Heritable traits passed down to offspring
• What is differential survival?


  Survival based on advantageous traits
• What is antibiotic resistance?


  Bacteria evolve to survive antibiotic treatment
• What is adaptation?


  Traits enhancing survival and reproduction
• What is the fossil record?


  Chronological evidence of species evolution
• What is biochemical evidence?


  DNA similarities indicating common ancestry
• What is a theory in scientific terms?


  An explanation for why certain laws and facts exist that can be tested for accuracy
• How is a law defined in science?

  A statement that is not scientifically provable like facts, laws, hypotheses, or theories
• What is a fact in scientific terms?


  A basic statement established by experiment or observation
• What is a belief in the context of science?


  A logical relationship between two or more things based on facts and proven hypotheses
• What is evolution?


  The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms
• What is natural selection?


  The process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce
• What are the two main ideas in Lamarck's theory?


  1. Characteristics used more become bigger and stronger; 2. Improved features are passed to offspring
• How did Lamarck explain the long necks of giraffes?


  Giraffes stretched their necks to reach food, causing their necks to grow longer, which was passed to offspring
• What were the issues with Lamarck's theory?


  It incorrectly assumed acquired traits could be inherited and couldn't explain the existence of simple organisms
• What theory did Darwin propose?


  Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection
• What does Darwin's theory of natural selection state?


  Variation in traits exists within a species, and individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
• What is creationism?


  Creationism is the belief that God made all animals and plants, as described in religious texts
• Why was it hard for some scientists to accept the theory of evolution?


  It contradicted creationism, lacked initial evidence, and inheritance mechanisms were not understood
• What does 'survival of the fittest' mean?


  It refers to individuals with traits best suited to their environment being more likely to survive and reproduce
• Who was Alfred Wallace?


  Alfred Wallace was a naturalist who independently proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection
• How did Wallace contribute to the theory of evolution?


  Wallace gathered evidence and developed ideas that supported Darwin's theory of natural selection
• What are homologous structures in different organisms called?

  Anatomical structures
• Why are homologous structures considered evidence for evolution?


  Because they indicate a common ancestry among species
• How are homologous structures shared among related species?

  They are inherited from a common ancestor
• What is an example of a homologous structure?

  • The pentadactyl limb
  • Found in mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians
  • Basic plan: one upper limb bone, two lower limb bones, leading to five fingers or toes
• What are the key characteristics of homologous structures?

  • Same basic plan
  • Different functions
  • Evidence for evolution
  • Shared by related species
  • Inherited from a common ancestor