Evolution

Front

What is natural variability in populations?

Back

Natural variability refers to the differences in traits among individuals in a population, which are influenced by genetic factors. This variability is essential for natural selection to occur.

Front

What role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations are random changes in an organism's DNA that can lead to new traits. They are a primary source of genetic variation, which is necessary for evolution and natural selection.

Front

What is geographic isolation?

Back

Geographic isolation occurs when a physical barrier, such as an earthquake or a river, separates a population into distinct groups, preventing them from interbreeding.

Front

Define genetic drift.

Back

Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequencies within a population, often having a more significant effect in small populations.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry but may serve different functions, such as the forelimbs of humans and whales.

Front

What is the significance of natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the adaptation of populations over time.

Front

Explain the concept of a gene pool.

Back

A gene pool is the total collection of genes and their variants (alleles) in a population, representing the genetic diversity available for evolution.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Vestigial structures are anatomical features that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

Front

Define analogous structures.

Back

Analogous structures are features in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry, such as the wings of birds and insects.

Front

What is the difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

Back

Natural selection occurs through environmental pressures, while artificial selection is the process by which humans breed organisms for specific traits.