Evolution Theory Quiz

Evolution

• Definition: 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.
• Key mechanisms:
  • Natural selection: Favorable traits are more likely to be passed on to offspring, leading to adaptation and speciation.
  • Genetic drift: Random events, such as mutations or changes in population size, that alter the frequency of alleles in a population.
  • Mutation: Changes in DNA sequence that can result in new alleles or altered gene function.
  • Gene flow: The movement of alleles from one population to another, leading to genetic exchange and increased diversity.
• Evidence for evolution:
  • Fossil record: Transitional fossils and gradual changes in fossil forms over time.
  • Comparative anatomy and embryology: Similarities and homologies between different species.
  • Molecular biology: Genetic and protein sequences that confirm evolutionary relationships.

Genetics

• Definition: The study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation.
• Key concepts:
  • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): The molecule that contains the genetic instructions for an organism.
  • Genes: Segments of DNA that code for specific traits or proteins.
  • Alleles: Different forms of a gene that occupy the same position on a chromosome.
  • Genotype: The complete set of genes an individual possesses.
  • Phenotype: The physical and behavioral characteristics of an individual that result from the interaction of genotype and environment.
• Mendelian inheritance:
  • Laws of inheritance: Segregation, independent assortment, and dominance.
  • Punnett squares: A graphical representation of the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring.

Ecosystems

• Definition: A community of living and non-living components that interact in a specific environment.
• Key components:
  • Biotic factors: Living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
  • Abiotic factors: Non-living components, such as light, temperature, water, and nutrients.
• Energy flow:
  • Producers: Organisms that convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
  • Consumers: Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter.
  • Decomposers: Organisms that break down organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the environment.

Photosynthesis

• Definition: The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.
• Equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
• Key components:
  • Chlorophyll: The green pigment that absorbs light energy.
  • Chloroplasts: Organelles found in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.
  • Light-dependent reactions: Light energy is absorbed and converted into ATP and NADPH.
  • Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): ATP and NADPH are used to convert CO2 into glucose.

Evolution

• 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.
• Natural selection leads to adaptation and speciation by favoring the transmission of beneficial traits to offspring.
• Genetic drift causes random changes in the frequency of alleles in a population due to events like mutations or changes in population size.
• Mutation introduces new alleles or alters gene function through changes in DNA sequence.
• Gene flow increases genetic diversity through the movement of alleles between populations.

Evidence for Evolution

• The fossil record shows transitional fossils and gradual changes in fossil forms over time.
• Comparative anatomy and embryology reveal similarities and homologies between different species.
• Molecular biology confirms evolutionary relationships through genetic and protein sequences.

Genetics

• Genetics is the study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation.
• DNA contains the genetic instructions for an organism.
• Genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits or proteins.
• Alleles are different forms of a gene that occupy the same position on a chromosome.
• Genotype is the complete set of genes an individual possesses, while phenotype is the physical and behavioral characteristics resulting from genotype and environment interaction.

Mendelian Inheritance

• The laws of inheritance include segregation, independent assortment, and dominance.
• Punnett squares graphically represent the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring.

Ecosystems

• An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components that interact in a specific environment.
• Biotic factors include living organisms like plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Abiotic factors include non-living components like light, temperature, water, and nutrients.

Energy Flow

• Producers convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
• Consumers obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter.
• Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the environment.

Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.
• The equation for photosynthesis is: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
• Chlorophyll is the green pigment that absorbs light energy.
• Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.
• Light-dependent reactions convert light energy into ATP and NADPH.
• Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) use ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into glucose.