Darwin's Focus on Adaptation

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What was the prevailing view about species before Darwin's time?

Species were constantly adapting to their environment

Species had evolved over time

Species had remained unchanged since their creation (correct)

Species had been in constant flux

What was Charles Darwin's primary contribution to the scientific understanding of the natural world?

Mapping the coastline of South America

Discovering the origins of life on Earth

Developing the theory of evolution by natural selection (correct)

Collecting plant and animal specimens from around the world

Which of the following best describes the process of evolution as discussed in the text?

The random mutation of genes in organisms

The sudden appearance of new species

The gradual adaptation of species to their environment (correct)

The cyclical changes in species over time

What was the primary purpose of the voyage of the Beagle that Darwin took part in?

To map the coast of South America Signup and view all the answers

How did Darwin's voyage on the Beagle contribute to his development of the theory of evolution?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the scientific view of the world during Darwin's time?

It was being challenged by new geological discoveries Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what was revolutionary about Linnaeus' system of naming species?

It used a two-part or binomial format for naming species that is still used today. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind Darwin's concept of connection by evolution?

Organisms are connected through a process of gradual change and descent with modification over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between fossils and sedimentary rock layers (strata) according to the passage?

Fossils are found in sedimentary rocks, and the fossils in a particular stratum show what was the usual fauna and flora of that time. Signup and view all the answers

What was Cuvier's key contribution to the understanding of fossils and extinction?

He noticed that some species were continuously shown in different strata, while others were disappearing. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main limitation of Linnaeus' system of classifying organisms?

It did not recognize the actual genetic connection or evolution of the species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main branch of science that studies fossils and past times?

Paleontology Signup and view all the answers

What process did Darwin propose to explain how adaptations arise in organisms?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What did Darwin observe on the voyage of the Beagle that led him to develop his theory?

Examples of organisms well-suited to their environments Signup and view all the answers

What term did Darwin initially use to refer to the concept of evolution?

Descent with modification Signup and view all the answers

What observation led Darwin to perceive the unity of life?

Organisms sharing many characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What did Darwin attribute the diversity of life to?

Descent with modification from a common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

What was the title of the book in which Darwin published his theory?

The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection Signup and view all the answers