Evolution and Darwin

Flashcards about Evolution Basics and Darwin's Work

Evolution

Change in species over time

Species

A group of organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring

Adaptation

An inherited trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce

Natural Selection

Organisms best fit for the environment survive, reproduce, and pass on traits

Evidence of Evolution

Fossils, cytology (study of cells), anatomy (bone structure), DNA

Causes of Genetic Variation

Mutations and sexual reproduction

Why Genetic Variation is Good

The more genetic variation, the more stable the species and less likely to die off

What happens if a species can't adapt?

They move to another environment or become extinct

Where did Darwin study?

Galápagos Islands

What organism did he study?

Finches

What trait did he observe in finches?

Beak shape and size varied between species

How did Darwin explain it?

Different beaks helped finches eat different foods—feeding adaptations shaped by environment