Evolution

• What is the process called where all species of living things have evolved from simple life forms?

  Evolution by natural selection
• What is genetic variation within a population?

  Differences in alleles among individuals
• What is the result of rabbits with advantageous traits surviving and reproducing?

  Beneficial alleles are passed to offspring
• What is the theory of evolution?

  All species of living things have evolved from simple life forms that first developed more than three billion years ago
• What happens when two populations of one species become so different?

  They can no longer interbreed
• What is the process of natural selection?

  • Variation exists within a population
  • Some traits provide survival advantages
  • Individuals with advantageous traits reproduce
  • Beneficial traits become more common over generations
• What are the implications of speciation?

  • Two populations become distinct
  • They can no longer interbreed
  • Leads to biodiversity
  • Affects ecosystem dynamics
• What theory did Charles Darwin develop?

  The theory of evolution by natural selection
• Why was Darwin's theory gradually accepted?

  It challenged existing beliefs and lacked evidence
• Who suggested that species change over time before Darwin?

  Jean Baptiste Lamarck
• What was Lamarck's idea about characteristics?

  Used characteristics become more developed and inherited
• How does Darwin's theory differ from Lamarck's theory?

  Darwin's theory involves natural selection, Lamarck's does not
• How does genetic variation relate to survival in Darwin's theory?

  Variation allows better adaptation to the environment
• Why did people not accept Darwin's theory initially?

  They believed in creationism and lacked genetic knowledge
• What is a key aspect of Darwin's natural selection theory?

  Survival of individuals with favorable traits
• What is the problem with Lamarck's theory regarding inheritance?

  Changes in a lifetime are not inherited
• What is the main conclusion about Darwin's theory today?

  It explains how species change over time
• What are the main points of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?

  • Genetic variation exists within species
  • Individuals with favorable traits survive and reproduce
  • Favorable traits are passed to the next generation
• What are the reasons for the initial rejection of Darwin's theory?

  • Conflict with religious beliefs
  • Insufficient evidence at the time
  • Lack of understanding of genetics
• What is Lamarck's theory of evolution?

  • Characteristics develop through use
  • Developed traits are inherited by offspring
  • Example: Giraffes stretching their necks
• What are 5 factors that can cause a species to become extinct?

  • Rapidly changing environment
  • New predator
  • New disease
  • Inability to compete for food
  • Catastrophic event
• What book did Charles Darwin write?

  On the Origin of Species
• How can a mutation lead to rapid change in a species?

  • Mutation can lead to a new phenotype
  • New phenotype can make individual more suited to a changing environment
  • Can then become more common through species quickly by natural selection