Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

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What is biogeography the study of?

The distribution of fossils

The structures of organisms

The geographic distribution of species (correct)

The process of evolution

What is the concept of homology based on?

Similarity in function

Different mature forms

Common ancestry (correct)

Similarity in structure

What did Thomas Malthus reason about the human population in 1798?

It would grow rapidly if unchecked (correct)

It would eventually decrease

There would be enough living space and food for everyone

It would grow unchecked

What is the term for body parts with no apparent function?

Vestigial organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the supercontinent that existed about 200 million years ago?

Pangea Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary evidence of organisms from the past?

Mineralized bones, teeth, shells, and other hard body parts Signup and view all the answers

What was Charles Darwin's occupation before he sailed around the world on the H.M.S. Beagle?

Medicine and Theology Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Galapagos Islands in Darwin's theory of evolution?

They had different ecological conditions and similar climates Signup and view all the answers

Who influenced Darwin's ideas about the age of the Earth?

James Hutton and Charles Lyell Signup and view all the answers

What was the title of Darwin's book published in 1859?

On the Origin of Species Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the fossil record in Darwin's theory of evolution?

It included many extinct animals that were similar to living species Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Darwin to publish his book on evolution in 1859?

A letter from Alfred Wallace Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the existence of heritable variation among individuals in a population?

Mutations and genetic recombination Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental principle behind Darwin's theory of natural selection?

Individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of an individual to survive and reproduce in its specific environment?

Fitness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of artificial selection, as used by humans?

To breed useful or desirable traits from natural variation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which species change over time through the accumulation of adaptations?

Descent with modification Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of homologous structures and genes in different organisms?

They provide evidence of common descent Signup and view all the answers