Evolution Evidence

• What is Darwin's Theory of Evolution about?

  Changing inherited characteristics through natural selection
• What does evolution involve according to Darwin?

  Inherited characteristics changing over time
• What does Darwin say about variation in species?

  Species show wide variation in characteristics
• Why are organisms with suitable characteristics more likely to survive?

  They are better adapted to their environment
• What happens to organisms that survive according to Darwin's theory?

  They reproduce and pass on their genes
• What was Lamarck's theory about evolution?

  Changes acquired during life are passed to offspring
• According to Lamarck, why do giraffes have long necks?

  They stretched their necks to reach food
• How does Lamarck's theory differ from Darwin's theory?

  Lamarck believes in acquired traits, Darwin in inherited traits
• What does Lamarck's theory imply about DNA sequences?

  Acquired characteristics do not affect DNA sequences
• Natural Selection is the process by which species evolve ​and organisms that are better suited to an environment will survive and reproduce
• What are fossils?

  Remains of organisms from millions of years ago
• Why are fossils important?

  They provide evidence of evolution
• What happens to most organisms that have ever lived?

  They are now extinct
• How do fossils show changes in organisms over time?

  They provide evidence of evolutionary changes
• What is the process of fossil formation?

  1. Organisms are covered in sediment
  2. Soft parts decay
  3. Hard parts are replaced by minerals
• What geological activity affects the fossil record?

  Destruction of traces of organisms
• Why is the fossil record considered incomplete?

  Many organisms were soft bodied and decayed
• What does extinction mean?

  No living individuals of a species remain
• What are some reasons for extinction?

  Environment changes too quickly
• How can new predators contribute to extinction?

  They can kill all individuals of a species
• How can new diseases lead to extinction?

  They can wipe out entire populations
• What is an example of a catastrophic event that can cause extinction?

  A meteor impact or volcanic eruption