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Questions and Answers
Darwin and Wallace's theory of evolution by natural selection was revolutionary because it ______.
Darwin and Wallace's theory of evolution by natural selection was revolutionary because it ______.
dismissed the idea that species are constant and emphasized the importance of variation and change in populations
The Linnaeus classification system grouped organisms by ______.
The Linnaeus classification system grouped organisms by ______.
increasingly more complex categories
Fossils found in strata reveal that ______.
Fossils found in strata reveal that ______.
older strata carry fossils that differ greatly from living organisms
Prior to the work of Lyell and Darwin, the prevailing belief was that Earth is ______.
Prior to the work of Lyell and Darwin, the prevailing belief was that Earth is ______.
Which of the following statements best explains why modification or change in an organ or tissue during the lifetime of an individual is not inherited?
Which of the following statements best explains why modification or change in an organ or tissue during the lifetime of an individual is not inherited?
When Cuvier considered the fossils found in the vicinity of Paris, he concluded that the extinction of species ______.
When Cuvier considered the fossils found in the vicinity of Paris, he concluded that the extinction of species ______.
For which one of the following observations were both Lamarck's hypothesis and Darwin's hypothesis in complete agreement?
For which one of the following observations were both Lamarck's hypothesis and Darwin's hypothesis in complete agreement?
If x indicates the location of fossils of two closely related species, then fossils of their most-recent common ancestor are most likely to occur in which stratum?
If x indicates the location of fossils of two closely related species, then fossils of their most-recent common ancestor are most likely to occur in which stratum?
If x indicates the fossils of two closely related species, neither of which is extinct, then their remains may be found in how many of these strata?
If x indicates the fossils of two closely related species, neither of which is extinct, then their remains may be found in how many of these strata?
The cow Bos primigenius (which is bred for meat and milk) has a smaller brain and larger eyes than closely related wild species of ungulates. These traits most likely arose by ______.
The cow Bos primigenius (which is bred for meat and milk) has a smaller brain and larger eyes than closely related wild species of ungulates. These traits most likely arose by ______.
Starting from the wild mustard Brassica oleracea, breeders have created the strains known as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Therefore, which of the following statements is correct?
Starting from the wild mustard Brassica oleracea, breeders have created the strains known as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Therefore, which of the following statements is correct?
What are adaptations?
What are adaptations?
Which of these conditions are always true of populations evolving due to natural selection? Condition 1: The population must vary in traits that are heritable. Condition 2: Some heritable traits must increase reproductive success. Condition 3: Individuals pass on most traits that they acquire during their lifetime.
Which of these conditions are always true of populations evolving due to natural selection? Condition 1: The population must vary in traits that are heritable. Condition 2: Some heritable traits must increase reproductive success. Condition 3: Individuals pass on most traits that they acquire during their lifetime.
A farmer uses triazine herbicide to control pigweed in his field. For the first few years, the triazine works well and almost all the pigweed dies; but after several years, the farmer sees more and more pigweed. Which of these statements explains why the pigweed reappeared?
A farmer uses triazine herbicide to control pigweed in his field. For the first few years, the triazine works well and almost all the pigweed dies; but after several years, the farmer sees more and more pigweed. Which of these statements explains why the pigweed reappeared?
Which one of the following statements best defines artificial selection?
Which one of the following statements best defines artificial selection?
Which statement illustrates the connection between natural selection and overreproduction of a population?
Which statement illustrates the connection between natural selection and overreproduction of a population?
Darwin used the phrase 'descent with modification' to explain ______.
Darwin used the phrase 'descent with modification' to explain ______.
Which of the following statements describe evolution?
Which of the following statements describe evolution?
Which of the following statements describe the effect of evolution on a population?
Which of the following statements describe the effect of evolution on a population?
Which of Darwin's ideas had the strongest connection to his reading of Malthus's essay on human population growth?
Which of Darwin's ideas had the strongest connection to his reading of Malthus's essay on human population growth?
Currently, two extant elephant species (X and Y) are classified in the genus Loxodonta, and a third species (Z) is placed in the genus Elephas. Thus, which statement should be true?
Currently, two extant elephant species (X and Y) are classified in the genus Loxodonta, and a third species (Z) is placed in the genus Elephas. Thus, which statement should be true?
Scientific theories ______.
Scientific theories ______.
DDT was once considered a 'silver bullet' that would permanently eradicate insect pests. Instead, DDT is largely useless against many insects. Which of these would have prevented this evolution of DDT resistance in insect pests?
DDT was once considered a 'silver bullet' that would permanently eradicate insect pests. Instead, DDT is largely useless against many insects. Which of these would have prevented this evolution of DDT resistance in insect pests?
Of the following anatomical structures, which is homologous to the bones in the wing of a bird?
Of the following anatomical structures, which is homologous to the bones in the wing of a bird?
Structures as different as human arms, bat wings, and dolphin flippers contain many of the same bones, which develop from similar embryonic tissues. These structural similarities are an example of ______.
Structures as different as human arms, bat wings, and dolphin flippers contain many of the same bones, which develop from similar embryonic tissues. These structural similarities are an example of ______.
What must be true of any organ described as vestigial?
What must be true of any organ described as vestigial?
It has been observed that organisms on islands are different from, but closely related to, similar forms found on the nearest continent. This is taken as evidence that ______.
It has been observed that organisms on islands are different from, but closely related to, similar forms found on the nearest continent. This is taken as evidence that ______.
Given what we know about evolutionary biology, we expect to find the largest number of endemic species in which of the following geological features, which have existed for at least a few million years?
Given what we know about evolutionary biology, we expect to find the largest number of endemic species in which of the following geological features, which have existed for at least a few million years?
The greatest number of endemic species is expected in environments that are ______.
The greatest number of endemic species is expected in environments that are ______.
Which of the following is not an observation or inference on which natural selection is based?
Which of the following is not an observation or inference on which natural selection is based?
Which of the following observations helped Darwin shape his concept of descent with modification?
Which of the following observations helped Darwin shape his concept of descent with modification?
The upper forelimbs of humans and bats have fairly similar skeletal structures, whereas the corresponding bones in whales have very different shapes and proportions. However, genetic data suggest that all three kinds of organisms diverged from a common ancestor at about the same time. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these data?
The upper forelimbs of humans and bats have fairly similar skeletal structures, whereas the corresponding bones in whales have very different shapes and proportions. However, genetic data suggest that all three kinds of organisms diverged from a common ancestor at about the same time. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these data?
DNA sequences in many human genes are very similar to the sequences of corresponding genes in chimpanzees. The most likely explanation for this result is that ______.
DNA sequences in many human genes are very similar to the sequences of corresponding genes in chimpanzees. The most likely explanation for this result is that ______.
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Study Notes
Theory of Evolution
- Darwin and Wallace revolutionized evolution by natural selection, rejecting the notion of species constancy.
- Emphasis on variation and change within populations is central to their theory.
Classification Systems
- Linnaeus' classification system organizes organisms into increasingly complex categories.
Fossils and Strata
- Fossils in older strata differ considerably from contemporary organisms.
- Fossil records support the idea of extinction, though Cuvier argued against evolution.
Earth’s Age and Species Change
- Prior to Lyell and Darwin, it was believed that Earth was thousands of years old with stable populations.
- Characteristics acquired in a lifetime are not inherited through genes.
Evolutionary Change
- Lamarck and Darwin both agreed on gradual evolutionary change enhancing organism-environment suitability.
- Fossils of closely related species are found in specific strata, hinting at common ancestry.
Artificial and Natural Selection
- Traits like a smaller brain in domesticated cows arise from artificial selection, guided by human preferences.
- Breeding from wild mustard illustrates heritable variation resulting in diverse cultivated strains.
Adaptations
- Adaptations enhance survival and are heritable traits.
Conditions for Natural Selection
- For evolution via natural selection, populations must have heritable traits that influence reproductive success; acquired traits do not count.
Resistance and Survival
- The resurgence of triazine-resistant pigweed exemplifies natural selection favoring survivors with advantageous traits.
Definitions
- Artificial selection: Human-directed breeding for specific traits.
- Natural selection links overpopulation to survival of offspring with inherited advantages.
Malthus and Darwin
- Darwin’s concept of “struggle for existence” arose from reading Malthus on population dynamics.
- Evolution improves organism-environment compatibility.
Species Classification
- Elephants: Species in the same genus have more similarities than those in different genera.
Scientific Theories
- Scientific theories are based on observations and provide comprehensive explanations.
DDT Resistance
- DDT resistance evolved when genetic variation for resistance existed within insect populations.
Homologous Structures
- Whale flipper bones are homologous to bird wing bones, illustrating common ancestry.
- Structural similarities among different species highlight the concept of homology.
Vestigial Structures
- Vestigial organs must correlate with features from ancestors, retaining a link to evolutionary history.
Island Organisms
- Island species' differences from mainland forms indicate descent from ancestral populations.
Endemic Species
- Isolated ocean islands, especially in tropical regions, are expected to host numerous endemic species.
Environmental Influences
- Environments that are isolated with little ecological diversity promote high endemic species counts.
Observations of Natural Selection
- Natural selection operates under the notion that poorly adapted individuals may still reproduce.
Descent with Modification
- Similarity among South American temperate and tropical plants supports the idea of descent with modification.
Divergence from Common Ancestors
- Unique skeletal structures among humans, bats, and whales suggest adaptation via natural selection in different environments.
- Genetic similarities between humans and chimpanzees indicate a recent common ancestor.
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