Evolution Review

Front

What is gene flow?

Back

Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between populations, which can increase genetic variation within a population.

Front

How does laying a large number of eggs increase the fitness of a species?

Back

Laying a large number of eggs increases the probability that some offspring will survive long enough to reproduce.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, indicating evolutionary relationships.

Front

What evidence supports that two species are descended from a common ancestor?

Back

Similar traits, such as the presence of pouches in marsupials like opossums and kangaroos, suggest a common ancestry.

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 the significance of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and survive over time.

Front

What role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial for survival.

Front

How does reproductive success relate to natural selection?

Back

Reproductive success is a key component of natural selection, as individuals that reproduce more pass on their genes to the next generation.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures arise from a common ancestor, while analogous structures serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Front

What is the concept of fitness in evolutionary biology?

Back

Fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.