Evidence for Evolution

Flashcards covering evidence for evolution, from Darwin's observations to modern science, including natural selection, fossil evidence, anatomical evidence, and molecular evidence.

What was Darwin's key initial observation regarding Galapagos finches?

Variations in beak characteristics correlated with different feeding habits.

What requirements must be met for natural selection to occur?

Variation must exist in population, variation leads to differences in reproductive success, and traits must be genetically transmissible.

How did the peppered moth population change during and after the industrial revolution?

Light-colored moths were dominant pre-industrialization, dark moths increased during industrialization due to soot, and light moths became dominant again post-Clean Air Act.

What is artificial selection?

Human-directed evolutionary change through selective breeding.

What are the two main types of dating methods used to determine the age of fossils?

Relative dating (based on rock layer position) and absolute dating (using radioactive decay).

What is significant about Archaeopteryx in the context of evolution?

It is an intermediate fossil between dinosaurs and birds, possessing traits of both.

Provide an example of an evolutionary transition.

Four-legged aquatic mammals evolving into whales.

What are homologous structures?

Structures with the same ancestral origin but different functions (e.g., mammalian forelimbs).

How does embryological evidence support evolution?

Early vertebrate embryos show similar features, indicating shared developmental pathways.

Why are most organisms not perfectly adapted to their environments?

They are products of natural selection, not purposeful design, leading to imperfect adaptations.

What are vestigial structures?

Structures that have no apparent function but resemble structures their ancestors possessed.

How does molecular evidence support evolution?

Gene differences accumulate over time, and molecular clocks can help determine evolutionary relationships due to consistent rates of change in certain genes like Cytochrome c.

What is convergent evolution?

Different species independently evolve similar features or behaviors, even though they are not closely related, due to parallel selective pressures.

What are some observations made in island biogeography?

Islands are missing mainland species, species present are related to nearby continents, species that can disperse are more common, and vacant niches lead to adaptive radiation.

What is a common misconception about evolution?

That it is 'just a theory,' when in science, a theory is backed by a large body of robust evidence.

What fields are combined in the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory?

Genetics, molecular biology, paleontology, and comparative anatomy.

What are some modern science applications of evolution?

Understanding antibiotic resistance, tracking viral mutations, conservation biology, agricultural development, and medical research.

Give an example of future research directions in evolutionary studies.

Examine genome editing implications on species modification.