Evolution & Natural Selection Flashcard

Front

A change in the inherited characteristics of an organism over time is ________

Back

evolution.

Front

According to superposition, the fossils found in the lower layer of rocks are ________ than those found at higher layer

Back

older.

Front

What is the inherited variation in lizards with different leg sizes?

Back

leg size.

Front

Darwin began to formulate his concept of evolution by natural selection after...

Back

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

Front

Mutations are a change in what?

Back

DNA.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?

Back

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Front

Define adaptation in the context of evolution.

Back

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is the significance of the fossil record in understanding evolution?

Back

It provides evidence of how species have changed over time and the relationships between different organisms.

Front

What does the term 'survival of the fittest' mean?

Back

It refers to the idea that individuals best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.