evolution

1. Evidence of Evolution
Q: What do fossil records show about species complexity?
A: Species complexity increases over time.

Q: What is radiometric dating used for?
A: To determine the age of rocks or fossils by analyzing isotopes.

Q: What does biogeography support?
A: The distribution of species supports evolution (e.g., Galápagos finches).

Q: Define homologous structures.
A: Structures with similar anatomy but different functions (e.g., vertebrate limbs).

Q: Define analogous structures.
A: Structures with similar functions but different origins (e.g., bird and insect wings).

Q: What are vestigial features?
A: Rudimentary structures with no current function (e.g., human tailbone).

Q: How does biochemical evidence support evolution?
A: DNA and protein comparisons show evolutionary relationships.

Q: What is artificial selection?
A: Human-directed evolution through selective breeding (e.g., in agriculture).

2. Evolutionary Theories and Key Figures
Q: Who proposed that species change over time?
A: Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon.

Q: What was Lamarck's incorrect theory?
A: Inheritance of acquired traits.

Q: What did Darwin observe in the Galápagos?
A: Finches with varying traits suited to their environments.

Q: What is natural selection?
A: Variations in traits lead to differential survival and reproduction.

3. Classification of Organisms
Q: What is taxonomy?
A: The system of classifying organisms.

Q: What is binomial nomenclature?
A: A two-part scientific naming system (Genus species).

Q: List the hierarchy of classification.
A: Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species.

Q: Define phylogeny.
A: The evolutionary history of a species or group.

Q: What is a monophyletic group (clade)?
A: A group that includes an ancestor and all its descendants.

Q: Name the six kingdoms.
A: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.

4. Mechanisms of Evolution
Q: What are the sources of variation in a population?
A: Mutations, genetic variation in the gene pool, and sexual reproduction.

Q: What is allopatric speciation?
A: Speciation due to physical separation and independent evolution of populations.

Q: What is the difference between gradualism and punctuated equilibrium?
A: Gradualism is slow, continuous evolution, while punctuated equilibrium involves rapid changes followed by stability.

Q: Define divergent evolution.
A: When one species evolves into many (adaptive radiation).

Q: Define convergent evolution.
A: When unrelated species evolve similar traits.

5. Study Tools
Q: What is the purpose of a cladogram?
A: To visually represent evolutionary relationships.

Q: What is maximum parsimony in cladograms?
A: The simplest evolutionary tree is preferred.