Questions and Answers
A well supported, testable explanation of phenomena that have occurred in the natural world is called a _____
Theory
Darwin's voyage on the H.M.S._____ led him to propose a revolutionary hypothesis about life.
Beagle
Darwin's hypothesis about how life changes over time is now called the Theory of ____.
Evolution
Of all the places he visited, the ______ Islands influenced Darwin's ideas about evolution the most.
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When farmers select the largest hogs, the fastest horses, or the cows that produce the most milk for breeding, this is called ______.
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In addition to observing living organisms, Darwin studied the preserved remains of ancient organisms called ____.
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On the Galapagos Islands, Darwin observed that the characteristics of many animals and plants ______.
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When lions prey on a herd of antelope, some antelope are killed and some escape. Which part of Darwin's concept of natural selection might be used to describe this situation?
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What ideas of Lamarck were later found to be INCORRECT?
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Survival of the fittest was also called _____ by Darwin.
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Struggle for existence could also be called ____.
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Structures that are so reduced in size that they are nonfunctional are called ____ organs.
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Vertebrate limbs which have different mature forms but develop from the same embryonic tissue are examples of ____.
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Adaptive radiation is also called ____.
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Which scientist would have described the following: natural variation in the population produces some longer and some shorter necked giraffes and longer necked giraffes can reach food more easily and survive to pass on their genes?
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Which scientist would have described the following: some giraffes have acquired longer necks by stretching to reach food and passed that trait on?
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Whales, sharks, and penguins all have streamlined bodies and fins/flippers for moving in water even though they belong to different classes of animals (mammals, fish, & birds). This is an example of ____ evolution.
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This scientist proposed that the Earth was shaped by geological forces that took place over millions of years.
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This scientist stressed that scientists can explain past events in terms of processes occurring they can observe happening now.
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English naturalist who made numerous observations during his travels which led him to propose a theory about how life changes over time.
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French naturalist who proposed that the selective use or disuse of an organ led to a change in the organ and that these acquired traits could be passed on to offspring.
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English economist who predicted that the human population would grow faster than the resources needed to sustain it.
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Naturalist who published his own theory of evolution by natural selection about the same time as Charles Darwin.
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The idea that all living things are derived from a common ancestor and linked together in a 'single tree of life' is called ____.
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The inability of humans and other primates to make _____ suggests a common ancestor and supports the idea of evolution.
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A change in the DNA sequence caused by a mistake in replication or exposure to radiation or chemicals is called _____.
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Idea that members of each species must compete regularly for food, space, and mates.
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The idea that individuals better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully, passing on their fitness to their offspring and increasing the fitness of the species over time is called ____.
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Study Notes
Key Concepts in Evolution
- A theory is a well-supported, testable explanation of natural phenomena.
- Darwin's voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle was instrumental in shaping his views on evolution.
- Darwin's revolutionized concept of life's changes over time is termed the Theory of Evolution.
- The Galapagos Islands significantly influenced Darwin's theories due to their unique biodiversity.
Selection Processes
- Artificial selection occurs when farmers select specific traits in livestock and plants for breeding purposes.
Observational Evidence
- Darwin researched fossils, which are preserved remains of ancient organisms, to gather insight into evolutionary processes.
- On the Galapagos Islands, Darwin noted that characteristics of organisms varied from island to island, showcasing adaptation.
Natural Selection Concepts
- In nature, when lions hunt antelope, some survive while others perish, illustrating the concept of survival of the fittest.
- Lamarck's ideas about inheritance of acquired characteristics were later proven incorrect.
- Darwin referred to survival of the fittest as natural selection.
- The struggle for existence can also be understood as competition among species.
Adaptation and Evolutionary Structures
- Vestigial organs are structures that have diminished in size and functionality over time.
- Homologous structures are varied in form but arise from the same embryonic tissue, indicating a common ancestry.
Evolutionary Processes
- Adaptive radiation, or divergent evolution, occurs when species evolve different traits from a common ancestor due to different environmental pressures.
- Convergent evolution is observed when unrelated species develop similar traits as adaptations to similar environments, e.g., streamlined bodies in whales, sharks, and penguins.
Influential Scientists
- James Hutton proposed that geological forces shape Earth over millions of years.
- Charles Lyell emphasized that contemporary processes can explain historical geological events.
- Charles Darwin is known for his extensive observations leading to the theory of evolution.
- Jean-Baptiste Lamarck suggested that traits acquired during an organism's life could be inherited.
- Thomas Malthus warned that human population would outgrow resources necessary for sustenance.
- Alfred Wallace independently formulated a theory of evolution through natural selection.
Emergence of Life and Genetic Evidence
- The notion of common descent posits that all living organisms share a common ancestor.
- The inability of humans and other primates to synthesize vitamin C provides genetic evidence of a shared lineage.
- Mutations, being changes in DNA sequences, can arise from replication errors or environmental influences, contributing to genetic diversity.
Evolutionary Challenges
- The struggle for existence underscores the competition for resources crucial for survival and reproduction.
- The survival of the fittest principle suggests that favorable traits enhance survival, leading to their propagation in future generations.
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Description
Explore the essential concepts of evolution, including Darwin's theories and the impact of the Galapagos Islands on his research. This quiz covers key elements such as natural selection, artificial selection, and observational evidence through fossils. Test your understanding of evolutionary principles and remarkable adaptations of organisms.
