Natural Selection and Genetic Modification

• Who is Charles Robert Darwin?

  Charles Robert Darwin is a naturalist known for his theory of evolution.
• What significant event did Charles Darwin undertake for five years?

  He went on a voyage around the world on the HMS Beagle.
• What did Darwin study during his voyage on the HMS Beagle?

  He studied the plants and animals at various locations around the world.
• What variation did Darwin notice among species during his studies?

  He noticed variation in members of the same species.
• What did Darwin conclude about individuals with characteristics suited to their environment?

  They were more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their characteristics.
• What theory did Darwin develop to explain his observations?

  He developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
• Who is Alfred Russel Wallace?

  Alfred Russel Wallace was a scientist who independently developed a theory of evolution.
• What did Wallace study that contributed to his theory of evolution?

  He studied the warning coloration of species, particularly butterflies.
• What is speciation?

  Speciation is the process that results in the formation of a new species.
• What occurs when populations of the same species become so different that they cannot interbreed?

  They are considered different species, and speciation has occurred.
• What can cause populations of the same species to become isolated?

  A physical barrier, such as a new river or mountain range, can cause isolation.
• What is geographic isolation?

  Geographic isolation occurs when populations of the same species become separated by a physical barrier.
• How do environmental differences affect isolated populations?

  They provide different selection pressures that lead to different characteristics becoming common.
• What happens over many generations to isolated populations?

  They become so distinct that they can no longer interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
• What is the impact of Darwin and Wallace on modern biology?

  Their theory of evolution by natural selection helps scientists understand many areas of biology.
• What do we now know about all life forms on Earth?

  All life forms change through the process of evolution and are descended from a common ancestor.
• How has the theory of evolution affected the classification of species?

  It has led to classifying species based on how closely related they are to each other.
• Why is conserving genetic diversity important for species?

  It helps species adapt to changing environments.
• What is Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection based on?

  It is based on observations from his expedition, experimentation, and knowledge of geology and fossils.
• How is evolution defined?

  Evolution is the change in the frequency of a phenotype in a population over many generations.
• What does Darwin's theory state about individuals in a species?

  Individuals show a wide range of variation caused by differences in genes.
• What happens to individuals with characteristics suited to the environment according to Darwin's theory?

  They have a higher chance of survival and more opportunities to reproduce.
• What is meant by 'survival of the fittest' in Darwin's theory?

  It refers to the idea that individuals with beneficial characteristics are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• When did Darwin publish his book, On the Origin of Species?

  He published it in 1859.
• Why was the theory of evolution by natural selection gradually accepted?

  There was controversy, insufficient evidence, and the mechanism of inheritance was unknown at the time.
• What is an example of natural selection illustrated by snail shell color?

  Variation in shell color provides a survival advantage in different environments.

  
• What is another example of natural selection mentioned in the material?

  The evolution of the peppered moths is another example.

  
• What sequence do all examples of natural selection follow?

  There is variation, some individuals develop a survival advantage, and the advantageous phenotype becomes the norm.
• What are antibiotics?

  Antibiotics are chemical substances made by fungi or bacteria that affect bacterial cells.
• What do antibiotics target in bacterial cells?

  They target processes and structures specific to bacterial cells.
• Why are antibiotics effective against bacteria but not viruses?

  Antibiotics disrupt bacterial cell functions, which viruses do not have.
• What has been the impact of antibiotics since their introduction in the 1930s?

  They have saved millions of lives and significantly impacted global health.
• What issue has arisen due to the overuse of antibiotics?

  Antibiotic resistance has developed in many bacterial species.
• How do random mutations in bacteria relate to antibiotic resistance?

  Some mutations may give bacteria resistance to an antibiotic.
• What happens to bacteria that have resistance when treated with antibiotics?

  They are likely to survive, and their population will increase.
• What is MRSA?

  MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
• Why is MRSA difficult to treat?

  It is difficult to treat without antibiotics due to its resistance.
• Why do bacteria evolve rapidly?

  Bacteria reproduce quickly and acquire random mutations.
• What should doctors do to prevent antibiotic resistance?

  They should avoid overusing antibiotics and prescribe them only when necessary.
• Why should antibiotics not be used for viral infections?

  Because antibiotics do not affect viruses.