Evolution

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution. An example is the tailbone in humans.

Front

What can cause extinction of a species?

Back

Extinction can occur due to various factors including increased competition with other species, new predators, loss of habitat, and environmental catastrophes.

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is an inherited trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

Why do finches on the Galapagos Islands have different beaks?

Back

Finches have different beaks to help them collect various food sources, which allows them to survive in their specific environments.

Front

Who proposed the theory of natural selection?

Back

Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection, which explains how species evolve over time.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in evolution?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and show how species have changed over time, supporting the theory of evolution.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

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

Front

What is speciation?

Back

Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing species, often due to genetic divergence and environmental factors.

Front

What role does genetic variation play in evolution?

Back

Genetic variation is essential for evolution as it provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.