1 Darwinian Evolution

• Who developed the theory of taxonomy?

  Carolus Linnaeus
• What is the significance of the fossil record in evolutionary theory?

  It supports gradual changes over time
• Who proposed the first major theory of evolution?

  Jean Baptiste Lamarck
• What was Lamarck's idea about organisms adapting to their environment?

  Changes in individuals were passed to offspring
• Why was part of Lamarck's theory considered incorrect?

  Changes in individuals are not inherited
• What is the title of Darwin's published work?

  Origin of Species
• What did Darwin observe during his voyage on the HMS Beagle?

  Darwin's finches evolved from a common ancestor
• What are the three principles of Darwin's theory of natural selection?

  1. Principle of Variation
  2. Principle of Heredity
  3. Principle of Selection
• What does the Principle of Variation state?

  There is inherent variability in a population
• What does the Principle of Heredity indicate?

  Variation is passed down through generations
• What does the Principle of Selection explain?

  Some individuals have a greater survival capacity
• What evidence supports natural selection?

  1. Biogeography
  2. Fossil record
  3. Comparative anatomy
  4. Comparative embryology
  5. Similarities in DNA sequences
• What is an example of biogeography in natural selection?

  Darwin's finches
• What does comparative anatomy show in evolutionary biology?

  Species evolve from common structures
• What does comparative embryology reveal?

  Common developmental structures among species
• How much DNA similarity do humans share with chimpanzees?

  98%
• What is genetic polymorphism?

  Changes to the DNA sequence
• What is phenotypic polymorphism?

  Changes in measurable characteristics
• What is gene mutation?

  Changes in DNA sequence in genes
• What is chromosome mutation?

  Changes in the number of chromosomes
• What is recombination in genetics?

  New arrangements caused by sexual reproduction
• What defines a species?

  Members can interbreed but may not
• What is a population in biological terms?

  A group of organisms that can interbreed
• What is selective pressure?

  Factors causing competition among organisms
• How do predators act as selective pressures?

  Best adapted evade predators effectively
• What is an example of competition for food as a selective pressure?

  The Giraffe's neck length adaptation
• How does resistance to disease act as a selective pressure?

  Some individuals are more resistant than others
• What is an example of sexual selection?

  Mating displays in various species
• How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?

  Humans deliberately select traits in species
• What is stabilizing selection?

  Selection against extreme phenotypes
• What is directional selection?

  Selection against one extreme phenotype
• What is diversifying or disruptive selection?

  Selection against intermediate phenotypes
• What is balanced selection?

  Opposing selective pressures acting simultaneously
• What is an example of geographical isolation?

  Formation of a mountain range
• What is allopatric speciation?

  Speciation occurring in different places
• What is sympatric speciation?

  Speciation occurring in the same place
• What is habitat isolation?

  Populations use different resources in the same area
• What is behavioral isolation?

  Different mating behaviors prevent interbreeding
• What is temporal isolation?

  Different mating timings prevent interbreeding
• What is mechanical isolation?

  Different mating apparatus prevent interbreeding