Unit 4 Evolution Part B Natural Selection Review

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

Give an example of natural selection.

Back

Shrubs growing longer thorns over many generations to protect themselves.

Front

What indicates that a series of fossils represent evolution?

Back

The fossils show similarities.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of Charles Darwin in evolution?

Back

Charles Darwin was a naturalist who developed the theory of evolution through natural selection.

Front

Why can many insects adapt quickly to insecticides?

Back

Because the insects’ generation time is short.

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution.

Front

What is embryology in the context of evolution?

Back

Embryology is the study of embryos and their development, which can show similarities between different species, indicating evolutionary relationships.

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 common ancestry.

Front

What role does genetic variation play in natural selection?

Back

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection, allowing some individuals to be better suited to their environment.