Introduction to Evolution & Common Misconceptions

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes about evolution and common misconceptions.

Evolution

A genetic change in a population over time.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among different organisms.

Natural Selection

The process by which traits that enhance survival become more common in a population.

Misconception: Evolution is just a theory

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation, not merely a hunch or guess.

Deuterostomia

A major clade of animals that includes vertebrates and echinoderms.

Evolutionary Theory

An explanation for the diversity of living things that is well-supported by scientific evidence.

Genetic Drift

A mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can lead to variations in traits.

Common Ancestor

A shared ancestor from which multiple species have evolved.

Evolution is just a theory.

In scientific terms, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence. Evolution is a foundational theory in biology supported by extensive research.

Humans evolved from monkeys.

Humans and monkeys share a common ancestor, but humans did not directly evolve from modern monkeys. This common ancestor existed millions of years ago.

Evolution happens to individuals, not populations.

Evolution occurs over generations within populations as favorable traits become more common through natural selection.

Evolution is a linear process.

Evolution is not linear but rather a branching process, where species can diverge from common ancestors and adapt to various environments.

Natural selection is the only mechanism of evolution.

While natural selection is a key mechanism, evolution can also occur through other processes such as mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift.

All traits are adaptations resulting from evolution.

Not all traits have evolved through natural selection; some may be neutral or random variations that persist within a population.

More complex organisms are more evolved than simpler ones.

Complexity does not equate to being more evolved; evolution does not have a predetermined direction or goal.

Evolution means life improved over time.

Evolution does not always imply improvement but rather adaptation; species evolve to fit their environments, which can change over time.

Fossils are not good evidence of evolution.

Fossils provide crucial evidence of evolutionary change over time, showing transitional forms and the history of species.

If evolution were true, we would see half-evolved organisms.

Evolution does not produce 'half-evolved' organisms; it is a gradual process where changes accumulate over generations, making it difficult to pinpoint a 'halfway' stage.