Evolutionary Concepts and Natural Selection

Front

What is the definition of evolution?

Back

Evolution is the process of change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Front

True or False: Evolution is a theory and is subject to change if new evidence is found.

Back

True

Front

What is the term for changes that happen over time in the gene pool of a population?

Back

Evolution

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A vestigial structure is a remnant of an organ that had a function in an early ancestor.

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.

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What is selective pressure?

Back

Selective pressure is an environmental factor that influences which individuals in a population survive and reproduce.

Front

What is genetic variation?

Back

Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA among individuals within a population.

Front

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.

Front

What is the significance of mutations in evolution?

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Mutations are changes in DNA that can lead to new traits, providing raw material for evolution.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing species.