Evolution Midterm

What is the theory of special creation?

Each organism was created recently, independently, and has remained unchanged since.

How did early greek philosophers explain nature?

The great chain of being, created to explain nature without involving supernatural explanations

What did Nicolaus Steno determine about evolution?

Upon being brought the “tongue stones” of a giant shark, he determined that they were actually fossilized teeth and figured out that the strata of the earth could provide a fossil record of earth;

What did carolus linnaeus contribute to evolution?

He established a taxonomic naming system, argued that species are unchanging

What was Lamarck’s theory of evolution?

He theorized that simple life forms arise from inanimate matter and evolve to create “higher” forms. He stated that species change by inheritance of acquired characteristics with used organs becoming enhanced and unused organs withering, and these changes are inherited

What was the importance of Lamarck’s ideas?

They recognised that life forms are connected, recognized that there is variation in traits, recognised that inheritance is important for adaptation, and provided a mechanism for evolution