Biological Evolution Basics

What is the biological definition of evolution?

What is heredity best described as?

Who are two individuals who paved the way for the Theory of Evolution?

What is the process called when changes in genes are not driven by natural selection, but occur due to mutation or random combinations of genes during the formation of offspring?

Which type of evolution occurs when two species that are related to a distant common ancestor develop similar adaptations at the same time but are physically separated from one another?

What is the most famous example of divergent evolution mentioned in the text?

Which type of evolution occurs when a species develops to have similar features and is not closely related to another species?

What is the sudden, often destructive event leading to the emergence of new organisms known as?

Which mechanism involves slow change within a genome that occurs over time, with no mass extinctions and the accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods?

What is the theory explaining that in a population, there is little change for long periods, followed by a sudden change or series of changes called?

Evolution is a complex series of changes in an organism's genetic makeup and expression over time, driven by environmental changes and competition.
Populations of organisms evolve through two major mechanisms: catastrophism and gradualism.
Catastrophism is the sudden, often destructive event leading to the emergence of new organisms, such as the death of dinosaurs.
Gradualism is the slow change within a genome that occurs over time, with no mass extinctions and the accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods.
Adaptation is a change in a trait that proves to be advantageous in a changing environment, and can involve multiple genes.
Status is the state of a trait that does not change because it is already beneficial for the organism's survival.
Punctuated equilibrium is a theory explaining that in a population, there is little change for long periods, followed by a sudden change or series of changes.
Adaptive radiation is the emergence of many new species from a common ancestor, with differences often due to differing environments or niches.
Descent with modification is the passing on of genetic changes from parent to offspring, leading to the evolution of populations.
Natural selection, random genetic drift, and sexual selection are factors that act on the inheritance of traits, driving the evolution of populations without artificial intervention.

Test your knowledge of the fundamental concepts of biological evolution including genetic changes, heredity, and genomes. Explore how populations of organisms evolve over time.