LG 2.1: Charles Darwin and Evolution

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Questions and Answers

What is the main contribution of Charles Darwin to the theory of evolution?

Natural selection.

Which scientist is known for the theory of use and disuse?

Georges Cuvier

James Hutton

Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck (correct)

Charles Darwin

The Scala Naturae suggests that species are fixed and unchanging.

True

What principle did Malthus propose regarding population growth?

Population growth will always tend to outrun the food supply. Signup and view all the answers

The process by which organisms with favorable traits survive is known as _____.

natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What did Darwin observe in the Galapagos Islands?

Different species of finches were descendants of one species. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of Darwin's theory of evolution?

Scala Naturae Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main mechanisms of evolutionary change proposed by Darwin?

Descent with modification and natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of the lesson on Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution?

Describe features of biogeography/plate tectonics, fossil record, metabolism, homology, embryology, artificial selection/agriculture, and antibiotic resistance that contribute to understanding evolutionary change. Signup and view all the answers

What causes the similarities and differences among Earth’s many species?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

According to traditional beliefs, species were fixed and unchanging.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory of use and disuse proposed by Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck?

Species are changing and they come from preexisting species; body parts that are used extensively become larger and stronger, while those that are not used deteriorate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of natural selection?

Only organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence did Darwin find on the Galapagos Islands regarding finches?

The 13 different species of finches found in the Galapagos Islands were the descendants of one species. Signup and view all the answers

Darwin’s theory includes two main mechanisms of evolutionary change: descent with modification and _____ selection.

natural Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Charles Darwin and His Influence

Charles Darwin proposed that life evolves over time, highlighting the adaptation of organisms to their environments.
His work emphasizes the unity and diversity of life, with shared characteristics among species.
Key concepts: descent with modification and natural selection play crucial roles in evolutionary theory.

Historical Perspectives on Evolution

Traditionalist belief (Scala Naturae by Aristotle): life forms viewed as fixed and arranged in a hierarchy of complexity.
Creationist view (The Old Testament): species were uniquely designed by God, reflecting perfection.
Thomas Malthus: theorized that population growth would inevitably exceed food supply, necessitating reproductive limits.

Key Scientific Theories

Georges Cuvier: proposed catastrophism, suggesting that sudden events caused species extinction and new species emergence, as noted in sedimentary rock strata.
James Hutton and Charles Lyell: advocated uniformitarianism, positing that geological changes occur gradually rather than through sudden catastrophes.

Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck's Theory

Lamarck introduced the theory of use and disuse: body parts that are used extensively grow stronger, while unused parts weaken.
He believed that these acquired traits could be inherited by offspring, a view later contested by Darwin.

Darwin's Observations

Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle, particularly to the Galapagos Islands, revealed 13 finch species descended from a common ancestor, showcasing adaptation to different environments.
Influenced by Malthus's principle of population control and Lyell's geological insights, he developed his ideas on evolution.

Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change

Natural Selection:
- Organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
- This process leads to variations accumulating over generations, contributing to descent with modification.

Objectives for Study

Understand concepts such as biogeography, fossil records, metabolism, homology, embryology, artificial selection, and antibiotic resistance in relation to evolutionary change.

Charles Darwin and His Influence

Charles Darwin proposed that life evolves over time, highlighting the adaptation of organisms to their environments.
His work emphasizes the unity and diversity of life, with shared characteristics among species.
Key concepts: descent with modification and natural selection play crucial roles in evolutionary theory.

Historical Perspectives on Evolution

Traditionalist belief (Scala Naturae by Aristotle): life forms viewed as fixed and arranged in a hierarchy of complexity.
Creationist view (The Old Testament): species were uniquely designed by God, reflecting perfection.
Thomas Malthus: theorized that population growth would inevitably exceed food supply, necessitating reproductive limits.

Key Scientific Theories

Georges Cuvier: proposed catastrophism, suggesting that sudden events caused species extinction and new species emergence, as noted in sedimentary rock strata.
James Hutton and Charles Lyell: advocated uniformitarianism, positing that geological changes occur gradually rather than through sudden catastrophes.

Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck's Theory

Lamarck introduced the theory of use and disuse: body parts that are used extensively grow stronger, while unused parts weaken.
He believed that these acquired traits could be inherited by offspring, a view later contested by Darwin.

Darwin's Observations

Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle, particularly to the Galapagos Islands, revealed 13 finch species descended from a common ancestor, showcasing adaptation to different environments.
Influenced by Malthus's principle of population control and Lyell's geological insights, he developed his ideas on evolution.

Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change

Natural Selection:
- Organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
- This process leads to variations accumulating over generations, contributing to descent with modification.

Objectives for Study

Understand concepts such as biogeography, fossil records, metabolism, homology, embryology, artificial selection, and antibiotic resistance in relation to evolutionary change.

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Description

Explore the life and contributions of Charles Darwin to the theory of evolution. This quiz covers key concepts such as biogeography, fossil records, and artificial selection, providing a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary biology.