Darwin's Theory of Evolution and Natural Selection

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from Darwin's theory of evolution and evidence of evolution, including natural selection, adaptation, and more.

What is the purpose of Darwin's theory of natural selection?

It explains how traits of a population evolve.

What are the four basic principles of natural selection?

Variation, Heritability, Overproduction, and Reproductive Advantage.

Define Variation in the context of Darwin's theory.

Individuals in a population show differences.

What does Heritability mean in natural selection?

At least some variations are inherited.

What does Overproduction refer to in Darwin's theory?

Some organisms have more offspring than can survive on available resources.

What is Reproductive Advantage in natural selection?

Variations that increase reproductive success will have a greater chance of being passed on.

What is a Fossil Record?

A record of species that lived long ago, showing how ancient species are similar to current species.

What are Homologous structures?

Anatomical structures inherited from a common ancestor.

What are Vestigial structures?

Structures with reduced function or no function in an adult organism that were functional in ancestral organisms.

What is the significance of Comparative Embryology?

It shows that vertebrate embryos exhibit homologous structures that suggest a shared ancestor.

What does Comparative Molecular Biology study?

It studies amino acid sequences to show relationships between species.

What does Biogeography examine?

The distribution of plants and animals around the world.

What is an Adaptation in evolutionary terms?

A trait shaped by natural selection that increases an organism's reproductive success.

What is meant by Fitness in the context of evolution?

A measure of the contribution an individual trait makes to the next generation.

How does Camouflage serve as an adaptation?

It allows organisms to blend in with their environments, making them less visible to predators.

What is Mimicry in evolutionary biology?

When one species evolves to resemble another species.

What is an example of Antimicrobial resistance?

Bacteria that have developed drug resistance to penicillin and other antibiotics.