Earth's History and Evolution
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following eons is part of the geologic time scale?

  • Mesozoic
  • Phanerozoic (correct)
  • Paleozoic
  • All of the above

The tailbone in humans is considered a vestigial structure.

True (A)

What is the primary difference between absolute dating and relative dating of fossils?

Relative dating relies on fossil layers, while absolute dating uses radioactive isotopes.

Life on Earth began as a single-celled organism about _____ million years ago.

<p>3,800</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Darwin reach after observing variations in finch beaks?

<p>Finches developed different beak shapes due to environmental factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Artificial selection occurs when humans intervene in the breeding process.

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

What is reproductive fitness?

<p>The ability to survive and reproduce successfully in a specific environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following evolutionary concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Natural selection = Survival and reproduction of the fittest individuals Artificial selection = Human intervention in breeding for specific traits Vestigial structures = Remnants of evolutionary ancestors that have lost original function Kin selection = Altruistic behavior aimed at increasing relatives' survival chances</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pangea's breakup

The splitting of the supercontinent Pangea into smaller continents over millions of years, due to plate tectonics.

Phanerozoic eon

An eon in the geologic time scale, encompassing the most recent part of Earth's history, marked by the appearance of abundant life forms.

Absolute dating

A method of determining the exact age of a fossil or rock using radioactive isotopes.

Relative dating

Determining the age of a fossil or rock layer based on its position compared to other layers.

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Darwin's finches

Different beak shapes in finches on the Galápagos Islands, a key example of natural selection and adaptation to different food sources.

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Bacteria in Evolution

Helpful for studying evolution due to fast reproduction and mutation rates, aiding in understanding evolutionary processes.

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Reproductive fitness

An organism's ability to survive and reproduce successfully in its environment.

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Vestigial structure

A body part or organ that has lost its original function but may have served a purpose in earlier species.

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Study Notes

Earth's History

  • Pangea's formation and breakup supported by evidence from matching coastlines, fossils, and rock formations.
  • Phanerozoic is an eon in the geologic time scale.
  • Absolute dating uses radioactive isotopes; relative dating relies on fossil layers.
  • Geologic time is a timeline of significant evolutionary events in Earth's history.
  • Life on Earth began as a single-celled organism approximately 3,800 million years ago (mya).

Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

  • Darwin observed variations in finch beak shapes on different Galapagos Islands; this suggested adaptation to differing food sources.
  • Bacteria are useful in evolution studies due to their rapid mutation and reproduction rates.
  • The tail bone is a vestigial structure in humans.
  • Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle explored South American coastlines.
  • Darwin's observations included variations in finch beaks.
  • Darwin concluded species adapt to their environments through natural selection.

Science 8 Evolution Unit Test

  • Reproductive fitness is the ability to survive and reproduce successfully in an environment.
  • Artificial selection is an example where humans select traits. (Wolves developing thicker fur in cold climates is NOT artificial selection, but natural selection).
  • Kin selection increases survival chances of relatives.
  • Microevolution occurs due to mutations creating new allele variations.
  • Macroevolution begins with population isolation.
  • Macroevolution examples include the appearance of mammals after dinosaur extinction.
  • Homologous structures suggest shared evolutionary ancestry between species.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Earth's geological history and the theory of evolution by natural selection. This quiz will cover Pangea's formation, geologic time, and significant evolutionary events. Test your knowledge on Darwin's observations and the adaptation of species over time.

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