Evolution Unit Review

Front

What is common ancestry?

Back

Common ancestry refers to the idea that different species share a common ancestor from which they have evolved. This is supported by evidence such as similar embryonic development stages in vertebrates.

Front

True or False: Mutations occur randomly.

Back

True

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. It is a key mechanism of evolution.

Front

What is an example of artificial selection?

Back

People selectively breeding hamsters for size is an example of artificial selection, where humans choose specific traits to breed.

Front

What happens if a species does not evolve?

Back

If a species does not evolve, it may become extinct due to inability to adapt to changing environments or competition.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are body parts in different species that have similar structures but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestry.

Front

What is the significance of mutations in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which is essential for evolution as it provides the raw material for natural selection.

Front

What is the difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

Back

Natural selection occurs through environmental pressures, while artificial selection is driven by human choices.

Front

What is the role of competition in natural selection?

Back

Competition for resources such as food, mates, and habitat drives natural selection by favoring individuals with advantageous traits.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing species, often due to evolutionary changes and reproductive isolation.