Evolutionary Thought and Darwin's Theory

Front

What is the title of Darwin's first publication?

Back

On the Origin of Species

Front

What does evolutionary FITNESS refer to?

Back

An organism's ability to survive & reproduce.

Front

Which concept is NOT part of Darwin's original theory of evolution?

Back

Gene mutations add more diversity to the population.

Front

What was Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's contribution to the theory of evolution?

Back

He suggested that organisms changed gradually in response to their environment, and passed on acquired characteristics.

Front

What is an example of Lamarck's hypothesis about evolution?

Back

Giraffes once had short necks and stretched them reaching for leaves on trees, later passing the longer neck trait to their offspring.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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

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 genetic variation in evolution?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between Lamarck's and Darwin's theories of evolution?

Back

Lamarck believed in the inheritance of acquired traits, while Darwin emphasized natural selection.

Front

What role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce new genetic variations that can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.