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Flashcards about animal evolution
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What is evolution?
The gradual change in living organisms over time, resulting in the diversity of life.
What is the main idea behind Natural Selection?
Organisms produce more offspring than the environment can support; those with advantageous traits survive and reproduce; over generations, these traits become more common.
What is a mutation?
Random genetic change that introduces new traits.
How does Natural Selection contribute to evolution?
Environment favors traits that aid survival.
What is Gene Flow?
Movement of genes between populations.
What is Genetic Drift?
Random change in gene frequency, especially in small groups.
How does Isolation contribute to evolution?
Prevents interbreeding, leading to speciation.
What is Convergent Evolution?
Different ancestors, similar features (e.g., bird and insect wings).
What is Divergent Evolution?
Same ancestor, different features (e.g., human arm and bat wing).
What key developments occurred during the Cambrian Explosion?
Most major animal body plans appear.
What evolutionary milestone occurred during the Devonian period?
First amphibians, vertebrates start land life.
What characterized the Mesozoic Era?
Rise and fall of dinosaurs, birds appear.
Which animals evolved during the Cenozoic Era?
Mammals and humans evolve.
How do Fossils provide evidence for evolution?
Show gradual change (e.g., horse evolution).
How does Comparative Anatomy show common ancestry?
Homologous structures show common ancestry.
How does Embryology provide evidence for evolution?
Similar embryos = shared ancestry.
How does DNA provide evidence for evolution?
Closely related species have similar DNA.
What are Vestigial Organs?
Leftovers from evolutionary past (e.g., human tailbone).
Give examples of structural adaptations.
Webbed feet, camouflage, thick fur.
Give examples of physiological adaptations.
Efficient kidneys in desert animals, blubber in marine animals.
Give examples of behavioral adaptations.
Migration, hibernation, nocturnal habits.
When does Speciation occur?
Populations are isolated; over time, they accumulate differences and can no longer interbreed.
According to Lamarck, how did evolution occur?
Use/disuse of traits; Acquired traits inherited; Driven by need.
According to Darwin, how did evolution occur?
Natural selection of traits; Genetic traits inherited; Driven by variation + survival.
What is the evolutionary trend in animals from simple to complex?
Protozoa → Worms → Mollusks → Arthropods → Vertebrates (fish → amphibians → reptiles → mammals/birds).