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Questions and Answers
Evolution is the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ____________
ancestor
The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce is called ____________
natural selection
A change in the DNA sequence of an individual, resulting in a new allele, is called a ____________
mutation
The movement of genes from one population to another is called ____________
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The sequence of fossils in the geological record shows a pattern of gradual changes in life forms over ____________
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The geographic distribution of species can be explained by their ____________ history
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The process by which a new species emerges from an existing one is called ____________
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The random change in the frequency of a gene or trait in a population over time is called ____________
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Study Notes
Definition and Overview
- Evolution: the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ancestor through the process of natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
- It explains how species adapt to their environment, resulting in changes in their characteristics over time.
Key Mechanisms
Natural Selection
- The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring.
- Three components:
- Variation: exists in a population's traits.
- Heritability: traits are passed down from parents to offspring.
- Differential reproduction: individuals with favorable traits produce more offspring.
Genetic Drift
- The random change in the frequency of a gene or trait in a population over time.
- Can result in the loss or fixation of a gene, even if it's neutral or deleterious.
Mutation
- A change in the DNA sequence of an individual, resulting in a new allele.
- Can be beneficial, neutral, or deleterious.
Gene Flow
- The movement of genes from one population to another, leading to a change in the frequency of alleles.
- Can increase genetic variation and reduce genetic differences between populations.
Evidence for Evolution
Fossil Record
- The sequence of fossils in the geological record shows a pattern of gradual changes in life forms over time.
Comparative Anatomy
- Similarities and homologies in body structures between different species indicate a common ancestor.
Molecular Biology
- DNA and protein sequences show similarities and differences between species, consistent with evolutionary relationships.
Biogeography
- The geographic distribution of species can be explained by their evolutionary history.
Evolutionary Processes
Speciation
- The process by which a new species emerges from an existing one.
Adaptation
- The process by which a population becomes better suited to its environment.
Co-evolution
- The reciprocal evolution of two or more species that interact with each other.
Evolutionary Theory
Modern Synthesis
- The integration of genetics, evolution, and ecology to understand the evolution of species.
Phylogenetics
- The study of the evolutionary history of organisms and their relationships.
Evolutionary Developmental Biology (evo-devo)
- The study of how developmental processes evolve and influence the evolution of body forms.
Definition and Overview
- Evolution is the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ancestor through natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
Key Mechanisms
Natural Selection
- Natural selection is the process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring.
- It has three components: variation, heritability, and differential reproduction.
Genetic Drift
- Genetic drift is the random change in the frequency of a gene or trait in a population over time.
- It can result in the loss or fixation of a gene, even if it's neutral or deleterious.
Mutation
- A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an individual, resulting in a new allele.
- Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or deleterious.
Gene Flow
- Gene flow is the movement of genes from one population to another, leading to a change in the frequency of alleles.
- It can increase genetic variation and reduce genetic differences between populations.
Evidence for Evolution
Fossil Record
- The fossil record shows a pattern of gradual changes in life forms over time.
Comparative Anatomy
- Similarities and homologies in body structures between different species indicate a common ancestor.
Molecular Biology
- DNA and protein sequences show similarities and differences between species, consistent with evolutionary relationships.
Biogeography
- The geographic distribution of species can be explained by their evolutionary history.
Evolutionary Processes
Speciation
- Speciation is the process by which a new species emerges from an existing one.
Adaptation
- Adaptation is the process by which a population becomes better suited to its environment.
Co-evolution
- Co-evolution is the reciprocal evolution of two or more species that interact with each other.
Evolutionary Theory
Modern Synthesis
- The modern synthesis is the integration of genetics, evolution, and ecology to understand the evolution of species.
Phylogenetics
- Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary history of organisms and their relationships.
Evolutionary Developmental Biology (evo-devo)
- Evo-devo is the study of how developmental processes evolve and influence the evolution of body forms.
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Description
Learn about the scientific theory of evolution, which explains how species adapt to their environment through natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
