Biology Evolution Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the five main lines of evidence for evolution?

  • Comparative anatomy
  • Fossil record
  • Natural selection (correct)
  • Geographical distribution

Endemic species are organisms that can be found in multiple geographic locations.

False (B)

What type of structures demonstrate comparative anatomy and show evolutionary links between species?

Vestigial structures, analogous structures, and homologous features.

The study of similarities during embryological development between different organisms is known as __________.

<p>embryology</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each line of evidence for evolution with its correct description:

<p>Comparative anatomy = Similar structures due to shared ancestry Fossil record = Historical progression of species over time Geographical distribution = Organisms located based on tectonic movement Biochemical similarities = Molecular evidence of common ancestry</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'fitness' refer to in the context of natural selection?

<p>An organism's ability to survive, reproduce, and pass on genes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Survival of the fittest means that the strongest organisms will always survive.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of natural selection.

<p>Ecological or Sexual</p> Signup and view all the answers

_______ selection is when humans choose which traits are passed on to the next generation.

<p>Artificial</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of selection with their definitions:

<p>Intersexual selection = Individuals of one sex choose mates based on traits. Intrasexual selection = Individuals compete with each other for access to mates. Directional selection = Individuals at one extreme are favored. Disruptive selection = Individuals at both extremes are favored.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evolution involves unrelated species evolving similar traits?

<p>Convergent evolution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Natural selection can lead to the adaptation of populations to their environments over time.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process describes the evolution of two or more related species adapting different traits?

<p>Divergent evolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process by which two species influence each other's evolution is known as ________.

<p>coevolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of sexual selection?

<p>Directional selection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Disruptive selection tends to favor individuals with traits that are average.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of evolution involves a single ancestral species diversifying into multiple species?

<p>Adaptive radiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Individuals within a species compete for __________ to survive.

<p>resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influences which traits are advantageous for survival in a population?

<p>Selection pressures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'immutable' refer to in the context of life on Earth?

<p>Life forms were created in their present forms and do not change. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Microevolution involves the evolution of entire species.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does LeClerc's Theory of Degenerative Forms emphasize about species?

<p>Species can change due to their environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Darwin’s four steps of natural selection include variations among species, inherited variations, and overproduction of _________.

<p>offspring</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Natural Selection = Process through which certain traits enhance survival. Macroevolution = Large evolutionary changes, often leading to new species. Catastrophism = Theory stating species arise from catastrophic events. Vestigial Feature = A physical structure that has lost its original function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with Jean Baptiste LaMarck's theory of evolution?

<p>Offspring inherit traits acquired during their parents' lives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

George Cuvier’s belief in catastrophism suggests that evolution occurs gradually over time.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'variation' play in Darwin's theory of natural selection?

<p>Variation is essential for survival as it allows for differences in traits that can be advantageous.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Comparative Anatomy

The study of structural similarities and differences between organisms, often used to indicate evolutionary relationships.

Fossil Record

Physical remains of ancient organisms preserved in sedimentary rock, providing evidence of past life and evolutionary changes.

Geographical Distribution

The distribution of species across the globe, often influenced by geographic barriers and the movement of continents.

Embryology

The study of the developmental stages of embryos, revealing similarities that support common ancestry.

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Biochemical Similarities

The analysis of molecules like DNA and proteins, revealing similarities among organisms that suggest common ancestry.

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Immutability

The belief that life forms are unchanging and were created in their present form. This view was prominent before Darwin and contrasts with the concept of evolution.

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Microevolution

Evolutionary changes occurring within a species or a small group of organisms over a relatively short period, like the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria or subtle adaptations within a rabbit population.

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Macroevolution

Evolutionary changes happening at a larger scale, encompassing modifications across whole lineages or groups of organisms, often leading to the emergence of new species or entire clades.

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Vestigial Feature

A feature of an organism with no apparent function or purpose. It often suggests a descent from ancestors where the feature was useful.

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LeClerc's Theory of Degenerative Forms

The idea that species are not static and can change due to environmental influences. It challenges the notion of fixed, unchanging life forms.

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Catastrophism

The idea that catastrophic events, such as floods and volcanic eruptions, shaped the Earth and caused mass extinctions. This theory suggests that new species arose after these events.

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Uniformitarianism

The theory that geological processes have worked uniformly over time, shaping the Earth and its features. It contrasts with the concept of sudden, catastrophic events being the primary driver of change.

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Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to their offspring.

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Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive, reproduce, and pass on its genes to the next generation in a particular environment.

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Variation and Inheritance

Individuals within a species vary in many ways, and some of this variability can be inherited.

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Competition and Survival

Members of the same species compete with each other for survival, and individuals with more favorable variations are more likely to survive and pass them on.

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Selection Pressures

Environmental factors or challenges that influence which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction in a population.

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Artificial Selection

A type of natural selection where us humans choose which traits are to be passed on to the next generation.

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Ecological Selection

Refers to the process by which environmental pressures, such as climate, resource availability, predators, or competition, favor certain traits in organisms, leading to differential survival and reproduction.

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Sexual Selection

A type of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to attract mates and reproduce, leading to the evolution of those traits over generations.

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Intersexual Selection

A form of sexual selection where individuals of one sex choose mates based on certain traits in the opposite sex.

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Intrasexual Selection

A form of sexual selection where individuals of the same sex compete with one another for access to mates.

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Directional Selection

A type of natural selection where individuals with traits at one extreme of a range are favored, causing the population's trait distribution to shift in that direction over time.

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Disruptive Selection

A type of natural selection that favors individuals with extreme traits at both ends of a spectrum while selecting against those with intermediate traits.

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Sexual Dimorphism

Refers to the physical or behavioral differences between males and females of the same species, often arising due to sexual selection.

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Divergent Evolution

The process where two or more related species evolve different traits, often due to adaptation to different environments.

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Adaptive Radiation

A specific type of divergent evolution that occurs when a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into many different species to fill various ecological niches.

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Study Notes

Evolution

  • Evolution: Life on Earth adapts to changing environments.

Immutable vs. Changeable Life

  • Immutable: The idea that life forms are unchanging, created in their current state.
  • Changeable: Life forms can and do change over time in response to environmental pressures and processes.

Micro vs. Macroevolution

  • Microevolution: Small-scale changes within a species, examples include faster rabbits and drug-resistant bacteria.
  • Macroevolution: Larger-scale changes, including extinction and significant evolutionary divergence of organisms.

Eidos

  • Eidos: The idealized, perfect form of a creature, as an idea of a plan from a higher source.

Vestigial Features

  • Vestigial feature: A feature with no current purpose or function; an example is an appendix. These features provide evidence against immutable life forms.

LeClerc's Theory of Degenerative Forms

  • LeClerc challenged the immutability of species by suggesting organisms could change in response to the environment.

Lamarck's Theory of Parallel Evolution

  • Lamarck's theory: Each species evolved independently.
  • Incorrect Lamarckian principle: Acquired traits during an organism's lifetime are not passed to offspring.

Cuvier and Lyell

  • Cuvier (Catastrophism): Belief that catastrophic events created organisms
  • Lyell (Uniformitarianism): Catastrophic events have always existed and shaped the Earth.

Natural Selection

  • Natural selection: Organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Darwin's 4 Steps to Natural Selection

  • Variations exist: Individual variations exist within a species (e.g., fast and slow rabbits)
  • Inherited variations: Variations are passed from parents to offspring.
  • More offspring than can survive: Populations produce more offspring than can survive due to resource limitations;
  • Differential survival: Organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Survival of the Fittest

  • Fitness: The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce successfully in its environment.

Evidence Against Darwin's Theory (and how it was countered)

  • Earth's age: Not all scientists believed the Earth was old enough for evolution to occur
  • Small variations to large changes: Some argued that small variations couldn't produce major new forms in organisms
  • Mendel's work: Gregor Mendel's work on inheritance of traits supported Darwin's ideas.

Selection Pressures

  • Selection pressures: Environmental factors favoring certain traits for survival and reproduction.

Types of Selection

  • Natural selection: Favors traits beneficial for survival;
  • Artificial selection: Humans select traits for desirable outcomes.
  • Ecological Selection: Environmental factors (resources competition, etc.) drive selection.
  • Sexual Selection: Traits that improve mating success.
    • Intersexual Selection: One sex chooses mates in the other.
    • Intrasexual Selection: Competition among members of the same sex for mates.

Patterns of Natural Selection

  • Directional Selection: Favors one extreme of a trait.
  • Disruptive Selection: Favors both extremes of a trait.
  • Stabilizing Selection: Favors the average trait.

Sexual Dimorphism

  • Sexual dimorphism: Physical differences between males and females of the same species.

Patterns of Evolution

  • Convergent evolution: Unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environments.
  • Divergent evolution: Related species evolve different traits due to different environments.
  • Adaptive radiation: A single species diversifies into many related species filling different niches.
  • Coevolution: Two or more species evolve in response to each other.

Endemic Species

  • Endemic species: Organisms found in only one particular geographic area.

Evidence for Evolution

  • Comparative anatomy: Similarities in body structures indicate common ancestry.
  • Fossil record: Fossil sequences reveal a progression of life forms over time.
  • Geographical distribution: Locations of organisms reflect their evolutionary history.
  • Embryology: Similarities in early development support common ancestry.
  • Biochemical similarities: Similar DNA and proteins show common ancestry.

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Description

Explore the fascinating concepts of evolution, including the differences between immutable and changeable life forms. This quiz covers microevolution and macroevolution, vestigial features, and the implications of LeClerc's theory. Test your understanding of how life adapts and changes over time.

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