Evolution by Natural Selection

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A random and permanent change to a gene.

Front

What did Darwin propose about organisms with advantageous traits?

Back

They will increase in number.

Front

Why do different shaped beaks provide an advantage?

Back

They allow organisms to eat the food readily available in the environment.

Front

What causes variations in organisms?

Back

Mutations.

Front

Why are advantageous traits more likely to be passed onto offspring?

Back

Because they are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

Define adaptation.

Back

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?

Back

It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Front

What is the difference between a dominant and recessive allele?

Back

A dominant allele expresses its trait even if only one copy is present, while a recessive allele only expresses its trait if two copies are present.

Front

What is the significance of the Galapagos Islands in Darwin's studies?

Back

They provided unique species that helped Darwin formulate his theory of evolution.