Evolution

• What is the theory of evolution based on?

  All species have evolved from simple life forms over three billion years ago.
• Who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection?

  Charles Darwin
• What does Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection emphasize?

  Organisms with suitable characteristics are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• What is meant by "survival of the fittest"?

  It refers to organisms that are best adapted to their environment being more successful in reproduction.
• What happens to successful organisms in terms of reproduction?

  They are more likely to reproduce and pass on their successful genes to offspring.
• What happens to organisms that are less well adapted?

  They are less likely to survive and reproduce, thus passing on fewer genes.
• What occurs over time as beneficial characteristics become more common?

  The species changes and evolves.
• What limitation did Darwin face in his theory of evolution?

  He couldn't explain how new characteristics appeared or how adaptations were passed on.
• How did the discovery of genetics support Darwin's theory?

  It explained how beneficial characteristics are passed on through genes.
• What does the fossil record provide evidence for?

  It shows how changes in organisms developed over time.
• What recent discovery supports evolution by natural selection?

  The evolution of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.
• What is the term for the development of a new species?

  Speciation
• What leads to speciation?

  Populations of the same species change enough to become reproductively isolated.
• What does extinction mean?

  When no individuals of a species remain.
• What are some reasons species become extinct?

  Environmental changes, new predators, diseases, competition, and catastrophic events.
• How did human actions contribute to the extinction of dodos?

  Humans introduced predators and destroyed their habitat.
• What are the key points of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?

  • Organisms show variation in characteristics.
  • Competition for limited resources occurs.
  • The fittest organisms survive and reproduce.
  • Successful traits are passed to offspring.
  • Over time, species evolve as beneficial traits become common.
• What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

  • Discovery of genetics explaining trait inheritance.
  • Fossil records showing changes over time.
  • Bacteria evolving resistance to antibiotics.
• What are the causes of extinction?

  • Rapid environmental changes.
  • Introduction of new predators.
  • Outbreaks of diseases.
  • Competition with new species.
  • Catastrophic events like volcanic eruptions.