Evolution Study Guide

Front

What is a phylogenetic tree?

Back

A branching diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

Front

What does it mean for a species to have a common ancestor?

Back

A common ancestor is a species from which two or more different species have evolved.

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.

Front

What is adaptation in the context of evolution?

Back

Adaptation refers to the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment through changes in traits.

Front

What is genetic resistance?

Back

Genetic resistance is the ability of an organism to withstand the effects of a harmful substance, such as an insecticide, due to inherited traits.

Front

How does environmental change affect species survival?

Back

Environmental changes can alter the availability of resources, leading to increased competition and affecting the survival of species.

Front

What is the significance of the Rock Pocket Mice study?

Back

The study illustrates how natural selection can lead to changes in the phenotype of a population over generations due to environmental factors.

Front

What role does competition play in evolution?

Back

Competition for resources can drive natural selection, as species that are better adapted to compete for those resources are more likely to survive.

Front

What is the relationship between phenotype and genotype?

Back

Phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, while genotype is the genetic makeup that determines those traits.

Front

What is the impact of habitat destruction on species?

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Habitat destruction can lead to decreased populations of species, as it reduces their living space and resources.