Evolution and Natural Selection

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What is evolution?

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The gradual change in species over time.

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What is natural selection?

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The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What are homologous structures?

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Similar bone structures in different species that indicate a link to a common ancestor.

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What is adaptation?

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A characteristic that improves an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

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What is the significance of beak shape in finches?

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Different beak shapes allow finches to eat various types of food available in their environment.

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What is the role of environmental factors in evolution?

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Environmental factors can influence which traits are advantageous, leading to natural selection.

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What is a common ancestor?

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An ancestral species from which multiple species have evolved.

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What is the difference between gradualism and punctuated equilibrium?

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Gradualism is the slow and steady evolution of species, while punctuated equilibrium is characterized by long periods of stability interrupted by rapid changes.

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What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

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Fossil records, genetic similarities, and homologous structures provide evidence for evolution.

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What is speciation?

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The process by which new species arise from existing species.