Evidence for Evolution

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Evidence for Evolution lecture notes.

What are the estimates of different species of living organisms on Earth?

Around 8-10 million.

What is the common feature shared by all organisms?

They all store information in the form of DNA.

What mechanism drives evolution according to Darwin and Wallace?

Natural Selection.

What does 'descent with modification' imply?

Species evolve from common ancestors over time.

What are the two main points made by Darwin about species?

Species show evidence of descent with modification; natural selection is the mechanism behind this.

What is microevolution?

Changes that occur within a species over short periods.

What is macroevolution?

Changes that occur over long periods resulting in the origin of new species.

What does biogeography study?

The distribution of species on Earth.

Which type of evidence includes anatomical similarities?

Anatomical homology.

What are vestigial traits?

Traits that are reduced in function in some species but fully functional in others.

What type of evidence supports common descent through shared DNA?

DNA similarities.

What is radiometric dating used for?

To determine the age of fossils and rocks based on radioactive isotopes.

How do Darwin and Wallace's theories explain the diversity of life?

All species today are descendants of a single common ancestor, shaped by natural selection.

What is the primary purpose of the Theory of Evolution?

To explain the unity and diversity of life.

What evidence shows organisms have a common ancestor?

Biological classification, anatomical similarities, shared developmental pathways, DNA similarities, and fossil evidence.

What is the significance of Charles Lyell's work?

He argued that geological features change over time, suggesting the Earth is older than previously thought.