Evolution & Classification

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What is the fossil record?

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The fossil record is the history of life on Earth as documented by fossils, which are the preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past. It provides evidence for evolution and helps scientists understand the changes in species over time.

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What is the genetic basis of change?

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The genetic basis of change refers to the role of DNA and genetic mutations in the process of evolution. It explains how traits are inherited and how variations can lead to adaptations in populations.

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What is geographic isolation?

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Geographic isolation occurs when a physical barrier, such as a river or mountain, separates populations of a species, preventing them from interbreeding and leading to the potential formation of new species.

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What is natural selection?

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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.

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What is punctuated equilibrium?

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Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolutionary biology that suggests that species experience long periods of stability interrupted by short periods of rapid change, leading to the evolution of new species.

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What is adaptation?

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Adaptation is a trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. It can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.

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What is reproductive isolation?

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Reproductive isolation is a mechanism that prevents different species from interbreeding, which can occur through various barriers such as temporal, behavioral, or mechanical differences.

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What is gradualism?

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Gradualism is the theory that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over long periods of time, with small changes accumulating to result in significant evolutionary transformations.

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What is competition in the context of evolution?

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Competition refers to the struggle between organisms for limited resources, such as food, space, and mates, which can drive natural selection and influence evolutionary outcomes.

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What is the significance of Darwin's theory of evolution?

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Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection explains how species adapt to their environments over time and provides a framework for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.