Questions and Answers
What are structures that are similar called?
homologous
What is a characteristic that helps an organism survive called?
adaptation
What is it called when one species evolves into many?
adaptive radiation
What is the pattern of evolution where a species is stable for a long time and then rapidly changes?
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What is the name of Darwin's book?
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What is the process by which evolution occurs?
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What did turtles have that depended on the island they were from?
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What do we call a well-supported testable explanation?
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What is it called when two species evolve together?
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Natural selection is also known as the survival of the what?
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What islands did Darwin visit?
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What principle states that living species are descended from ancient ones?
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What is the name of the ship that Darwin traveled on?
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What is it called when two unrelated organisms look alike?
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What does the term diversity refer to?
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What is it called when organisms disappear from the Earth?
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Who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection?
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What is the formation of new species called?
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What does evolution refer to?
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What is required for new species to form?
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What are the preserved remains of ancient organisms called?
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What did finches have that depended on the island they were from?
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What is the study of the Earth called?
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What are structures that have no current function called?
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Study Notes
Key Concepts in Evolution
- Homologous Structures: Similar structures in different species indicating a common ancestor.
- Adaptation: Traits that enhance survival and reproduction of organisms.
- Adaptive Radiation: Evolutionary process where one species evolves into multiple forms to adapt to various environments.
Patterns of Evolution
- Punctuated Equilibrium: Evolution occurs in long stable periods interrupted by brief, rapid changes.
- Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Influential Works and Figures
- Darwin's "The Origin of Species": Landmark book summarizing Darwin's theories on evolution and natural selection.
- Darwin: Proposed key theories of evolution, emphasizing natural selection.
Species and Their Adaptations
- Turtles: Displayed varied shell shapes as adaptations to different island environments.
- Finches: Exhibited differences in beak shapes based on their specific island habitats.
Ecological Interactions
- Coevolution: Process where two or more species influence each other's evolution through reciprocal adaptations.
Evolutionary Principles
- Fittest: Refers to individuals that are more likely to survive and reproduce, encapsulated in the phrase "survival of the fittest."
- Speciation: Process through which new species arise from existing species.
- Isolation: Necessary condition for speciation to occur, preventing gene flow between populations.
Geological Context
- Geology: Study of Earth's structure which provides context for evolution and the age of fossils.
Remnants and Evidence
- Fossils: Remains or traces of ancient organisms, essential for understanding evolutionary history.
- Vestigial Structures: Traits that are remnants from ancestral species that no longer serve a functional purpose.
Concepts of Diversity and Extinction
- Diversity: Refers to the variety of living organisms within a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Extinction: The process through which species cease to exist on Earth.
Important Locations
- Galapagos Islands: Unique ecological settings that inspired Darwin's theories due to the presence of diverse species adapted to individual islands.
- Beagle: The ship that carried Darwin on his voyage where he made significant observations leading to his evolutionary theories.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key terms related to evolution with these flashcards. Each card features important concepts in evolutionary biology, such as homologous structures and adaptation. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of evolutionary principles.
