Theories of Evolution

Flashcards reviewing key concepts and figures in the theories of evolution, including Lamarck and Darwin, genetic versus acquired traits, and Darwin's finches.

What is a trait?

Any feature of an organism.

What is an acquired trait?

A feature that is gained during an individual's lifetime.

What is a genetic trait?

A feature that is passed down by genes from one generation to the next.

What is evolution?

The change in the characteristics of a species over many generations.

What were the main points of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's theory of evolution?

Acquired characteristics are inheritable; if a feature wasn't used, it would be lost over generations.

What process did Charles Darwin propose to explain species change over time?

Individuals with favourable traits are more likely to survive and pass those traits to the next generation through natural selection.

What is the key difference between Lamarck's and Darwin's theories of evolution?

Lamarck believed traits are acquired due to use and disuse and transmitted to offspring, while Darwin proposed that inheritable traits already exist and are selected by nature for survival.

What commonly accepted view was challenged by Darwin's theory of evolution?

Darwin's theory challenged the view that each species was specially created and unchanging.

What did Charles Darwin observe during his voyage to the Galapagos Islands?

He observed variations between species on each separate island, especially among finches.

What variations did Darwin observe among finches in the Galapagos Islands?

Darwin noted variations in beak shape and size related to their diets, suggesting they evolved from a common ancestor.

What did Darwin suggest about the finches from the Galapagos Islands?

Suggesting that the finches all came from a common finch ancestor.