Theory of Evolution by Charles Darwin

Flashcards reviewing key concepts related to Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution.

Charles Darwin created the __ of Evolution.

Theory

A theory is backed up by __ of data observations.

hundreds of thousands

The Theory of Evolution explains how species __ over time.

change

Natural __ is a key mechanism of evolution.

selection

Darwin's observations included variations among species in __.

different environments

The term __ refers to the process through which certain traits become more or less common in a population.

natural selection

One evidence for evolution is the __ in different species.

fossil record

Darwin's voyage on the __ helped inform his ideas on evolution.

Beagle

The concept that surviving species adapt to their __ is central to Darwin's Theory.

environment

Organisms with traits better suited for their environment are more likely to __.

survive

The process of species __ can lead to the formation of new species.

divergence

The idea that all species share a common __ is a foundation of modern biology.

ancestor

The __ of traits is crucial for evolution, as it can influence survival and reproduction.

variation

In artificial selection, humans selectively breed organisms for __ traits.

desired

The Galapagos Islands provided __ evidence that influenced Darwin’s theories.

experimental

Darwin published his findings in the book __.

On the Origin of Species

The term __ describes the geographical separation that can lead to speciation.

allopatric

Adaptive __ occurs when species evolve to fit different environments.

radiation

The theory of evolution is supported by multiple fields, including __ and genetics.

paleontology

Darwin’s theory suggested that species evolve through gradual __ over long periods.

changes

The concept of __ implies that all living organisms on Earth are related.

common descent

Darwin observed that finches on different islands had different __ based on their diets.

beak shapes

The idea that some traits increase an organism's chance of __ is central to natural selection.

reproduction

Molecular __ provides evidence for evolutionary relationships among species.

biology

The study of __ helps understand variations in species over time.

embryology

Darwin faced criticism for his ideas due to the lack of understanding of __ inheritance.

genetic

The term __ refers to any heritable change in a population over time.

evolution

Speciation can occur rapidly under certain conditions, known as __ speciation.

punctuated

Darwin's work laid the foundation for modern __ theory.

evolutionary

The process of __ can lead to the emergence of new traits in a population.

mutation

Darwin's finches are an example of adaptive __ in evolution.

radiation

Many scientists build on Darwin’s theory to explain __ patterns in life.

diversification

The __ is a historical record of ancient life forms through fossils.

geological timeline

Natural selection leads to __ traits becoming more common in a population.

beneficial

The study of evolutionary __ focuses on how species change over time.

biology

Organisms evolve not just by natural selection but also through __ processes.

random

Darwin’s theory is a unifying framework for understanding __ relationships.

biological

The principle of __ states that more offspring are produced than can survive.

overproduction

The concept of __ involves changes in the heritable traits of a population over generations.

evolution

Gradualism suggests evolution occurs through __ changes over time.

small

The fossil record provides evidence for how life has __ on Earth.

evolved

Phenotypic __ can result from genetic variation and environmental factors.

variation

Darwin believed that evolution could be observed in the __ of species.

adaptations

The __ of life can often demonstrate evolutionary relationships among species.

tree

Traits that enhance survival are known as __ traits.

adaptive

Genetic __ can lead to new traits becoming prevalent in a population.

mutation

The idea that species are not fixed and can change is a departure from __ thinking.

static

A __ is a trait that increases an organism's fitness in a given environment.

adaptation

The term __ refers to the observable expression of an organism's genes.

phenotype

Charles Darwin published his theory in __, which created significant debate.

1859

A key component of Darwin's theory is that evolution is driven by __ competition.

biological

The principle of __ suggests that variation within species is the raw material for evolution.

diversity

The concept of __ discusses how specific traits improve an organism's chance of survival.

survival of the fittest

The study of __ helps scientists understand the evolutionary history of organisms.

genetics

Evidence from __ shows how certain adaptations can lead to increased survival rates.

experimentation

Darwin's theory emphasized the importance of __ in the process of evolution.

time

The idea of __ species describes organisms that are similar enough to breed but differ significantly.

distinct

Mimicry and camouflage are examples of __ that help organisms survive.

adaptations

The concept of __ explains how new species can arise from a common ancestor.

speciation

Evolutionary __ can occur due to environmental or genetic changes within a population.

pressures

Meticulous observation is critical in developing and supporting a scientific __.

theory

The diversity of __ among organisms is critical for adaptation and survival.

traits

The natural __ results in those traits that enhance survival becoming more common.

selection

Adaptive traits often arise through __ mechanisms.

biological

The __ includes all biological interactions that affect the survival of species.

ecosystem

Researchers use genetic __ to trace evolutionary history and relationships.

analysis

The concept of __ posits that populations can change rapidly in certain environments.

microevolution

The Theory of Evolution is foundational to the field of __ science.

life

Cladistics is a method used to analyze the evolutionary __ of species.

relationships

The __ indicates that all living things are related through common descent.

tree of life