Evolutionary Biology and Darwin's Theory

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Questions and Answers

What does a scientific theory explain?

Well-supported testable explanations of phenomena (correct)

Assumptions based on anecdotal evidence

Personal beliefs about natural occurrences

Unprovable concepts in the natural world

What notable work did Charles Darwin publish in 1859?

On the Origin of Life

The Theory of Relativity

The Origin of Species (correct)

Evolutionary Biology

What did Darwin observe about the giant tortoises in the Galápagos Islands?

They looked identical across all islands.

They were all extinct by the time he visited.

Their shells varied in shape depending on the island. (correct)

They were not affected by environmental changes.

How did Darwin gather evidence for his theory of evolution?

Through the collection of living organisms and fossils Signup and view all the answers

What similarity did Darwin find between the ecosystems of Argentina and Australia?

They had similar grassland ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What theory proposed by Jean Lamarck influences Darwin's thinking?

Inheritance of Acquired Traits Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant influence on Darwin to publish his findings?

Russel Wallace's essay Signup and view all the answers

According to Darwin's observations, what aspect did he note about the finches in the Galapagos Islands?

Their bills varied despite overall similarities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concept derived from Darwin's observations and theories?

Natural Selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a potential harmful effect of artificial selection?

Reduced adaptability to environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

What did Darwin hypothesize about species in the Galapagos Islands?

They may have arisen from a common ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did James Hutton introduce that influenced Darwin's thinking?

The earth is constantly being reshaped by forces. Signup and view all the answers

What question did Thomas Malthus raise that impacted Darwin's ideas?

What are the effects of population growth on resources? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animals is NOT associated with the Galapagos Islands?

Bald Eagle Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles Lyell contribute to the understanding of geographical changes?

Geographical features can be built up or eroded. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evolutionary Biology

Evolutionary biology is the theory in biology that postulates that the various types of plants, animals, and other living things on Earth have their origin in other preexisting types and that the differences are due to modifications in successive generations.

Charles Darwin

A scientific theory is a well-supported testable explanation of phenomena that have occurred in the natural world.
Darwin's theory of evolution proposes how living things change over time.
Darwin traveled on the HMS Beagle, making observations in various locations, including the Galapagos Islands.
He published the book The Origin of Species in 1859.

Darwin's Observations

Observed differences among island species.
Noticed variation among organisms.
Recognized adaptation to the environment.
Noticed nine distinct species of finches in the Galapagos Islands which are similar but differ in their beak shapes.
Observed that the beak depth of finches varied depending on the available food sources.
- During dry years, finches with larger beaks survive better.

Darwin's Theory: Key Concepts

Inherited variation exists within the genes of every population or species.
Some individuals of a population or species are better suited to survive in a particular environment.
Over time, the traits that make certain individuals of a population able to survive and reproduce tend to spread in that population.
There is overwhelming evidence from fossils and many other sources that living species evolved from organisms that are extinct.
Natural Selection
Artificial Selection
- Plant Technology: The desired traits of a plant are selected.
Population: All the individuals of species that live in a specific geographical area and that can interbreed.
Other factors: Selective pressure, factors in the environment that select FOR or AGAINST a genetic trait.
Sexual selection: Intra (males competing) and Inter (females choosing)

Ideas Influencing Darwin

James Hutton: Proposed the Earth changed over a long time.
Charles Lyell: Geological features change over long time periods.
Thomas Malthus: Increase in population can lead to consequences if there is not enough resources.
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck: Proposed the theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Key Concepts Derived From Darwin's Theory

Natural selection explains how evolution occurs.
Variation.
Overproduction.
Adaptation.
Descent with modification.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of evolutionary biology as outlined by Charles Darwin. This quiz covers key concepts such as natural selection, adaptation, and the critical observations made during his journey on the HMS Beagle. Test your understanding of Darwin's contributions to the field of biology.