Chapter 22: Descent with modification

Biology 102

Individuals evolve over time. True or False?

False; only populations can evolve

Explains the adaptation of organisms and the diversity of life

Descent with modification by natural selection

Artificial selection

Humans modify species through artificial selection, breeding desired traits

Natural selection does what to the frequency of organisms’ adaptation?

increases them and makes them more favorable to an environment

Four main types of data collection to support evolution

Direct observations, homology, fossil record, biogeography

Adaptations

inherited characteristics that enhance and organism’s survival

Descent with modification explains three main concepts of life:

unity of life, diversity of life, the way organisms are suited to their environments.

No variation means?

No natural selection

favorable traits may vary because of?

the environment

Homology

the study of ancestry through the analysis of related species and their similar characteristics

Homologous structures

Anatomical resemblances that represent variation on a structural theme present in a common ancestor

Vestigial structures

remnants of a feature that served a purpose in an organism’s ancestor

Convergent evolution

the evolution of similar, or analogous, features in distantly related groups

Biogeography

the scientific study of the geographic distribution of species

Evolution is NOT

use and disuse or inheritance of acquired characteristics