evolution and ecology questions

Front

What is Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?

Back

Darwin's theory states that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive, leading to competition for resources. The individuals that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Front

What is embryology?

Back

Embryology is the study of embryos of various organisms to show a common ancestor due to similarities in development.

Front

What happens to a population of mice if wolves and snakes are removed from the food web?

Back

If wolves and snakes are removed, the mouse population may grow excessively and destroy the community by consuming all the berry bushes.

Front

What is the competitive exclusion principle?

Back

The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same resource cannot coexist if other ecological factors are constant; one will outcompete the other.

Front

Why are mutations important in evolution?

Back

Mutations are important because they introduce genetic variation, which is necessary for a population to evolve.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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

Front

Define speciation.

Back

Speciation is the evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species.

Front

What is the role of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and is a key factor in the process of evolution.

Front

What is the significance of a common ancestor in evolution?

Back

A common ancestor indicates that different species share a lineage and have diverged over time through evolutionary processes.

Front

What is the difference between mutualism and commensalism?

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, while commensalism is where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.