Week 15

What is an empirical law?

• An empirical law is based on data gathered by original experiments or observations

What is a scientific theory?

• A scientific theory analyzes and makes connections between empirical studies to define or advance a theoretical position; it explains "why" or "how."

What do theories do in science?

• Theories explain and interpret facts, supported by all the data observed to date

What is evolution?

• Evolution is descent with genetic modification; it is the change in characteristics of living things over generations

How do populations undergo evolution?

• Populations undergo slow, gradual changes in their heritable traits over time

When can a new species arise through evolution?

• A new species can arise if two populations become different enough to no longer be able to interbreed

When can a new species arise through evolution?

• A new species can arise if two populations become different enough to no longer be able to interbreed

What drives evolution?

• Evolution depends on random mutations in genes and adaptation to different environments

Is evolution predictable and directed?

• No, evolution is unpredictable, natural, and has no direction to change

Can non-heritable or "acquired" traits be passed to offspring?

• No, non-heritable or acquired traits cannot be passed to offspring

What is artificial selection?

• Artificial selection is when traits are selected by the breeder, not necessarily the best traits for survival