Evolution Unit Test Review

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What are vestigial structures?

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Vestigial structures are anatomical features that have lost most or all of their original function through the course of evolution. Examples include the human appendix and the pelvis in whales.

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What is natural selection?

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Natural selection is a process in evolution where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual evolution of species.

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Who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection?

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Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

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What is the significance of embryonic development in evolutionary biology?

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Similarities in patterns of embryonic development among different species provide evidence for common ancestry and evolutionary relationships.

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What is a dominant allele?

Back

A dominant allele is a variant of a gene that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present in the genotype.

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What is a recessive allele?

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A recessive allele is a variant of a gene that only expresses its trait when two copies are present in the genotype.

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What is genetic drift?

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Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to significant changes over time, especially in small populations.

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What is the law of use and disuse?

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The law of use and disuse, proposed by Lamarck, suggests that organisms can develop or lose traits based on their use or disuse, although this theory has been largely discredited.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution, not common ancestry.

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What is punctuated equilibrium?

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Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolutionary biology that proposes that species remain relatively stable for long periods, interrupted by brief periods of rapid change.