Evolution & Natural Selection Flashcard

Front

What is variation in the context of evolution?

Back

Variation refers to the differences among individual members of the same species.

Front

Who proposed the theory of Survival of the Fittest?

Back

Charles Darwin proposed the theory of Survival of the Fittest and the concept of evolution.

Front

What does the similarity of early embryos of different vertebrate species suggest?

Back

It suggests evolution from a distant common ancestor.

Front

What is the outcome for individuals in a population with advantageous variations?

Back

They are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Front

What prompted Darwin to formulate his concept of evolution by natural selection?

Back

His observations of many species of plants and animals while aboard the H.M.S Beagle.

Front

Define natural selection.

Back

Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is adaptation in evolutionary biology?

Back

Adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

Explain the concept of fitness in evolutionary terms.

Back

Fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is a common misconception about evolution?

Back

A common misconception is that evolution is a linear process; in reality, it is a branching process with many paths.

Front

What role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can lead to new traits in a population.