Download Evolution Study Guide

Evolution Study Guide with Key
• 1. What is evolution?
over time
Changes in genetic frequency
• 2. What is a theory? An Explanation of a Natural
Phenomenon (event/occurrence) based on research, data,
and investigations over time.
3. List the 3 mechanisms for evolution and explain each one
(include examples).
A. Natural selection – survival of the fittest – organisms with
favorable adaptive traits have a better chance of surviving
and reproducing – ex. Fast cheetahs
B. Environmental conditions – variations in traits among
individuals of the same genus depending on their location – ex.
arctic foxes having thicker fur and smaller ears than desert
foxes
C. Mutations – random permanent changes in DNA that result
in variation in traits and are passed from parents to offspring
– ex. Bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics
4. List and explain the 2 types of adaptations (include
examples).
A. Physical – being born with favorable traits/characteristics
– ex. Camouflage and mimicry
B. Behavioral – Actions animals take to respond to life needs –
ex. - innate and learned behavior
5. Explain how organisms become resistant.
Organisms within a population have different nitrogen base
sequences that result from mutations and provide then with an
immunity to specific medicines, toxins, etc. and then these
genes are passed on to their offspring.
6. List and explain the 2 patterns of evolution/natural
selection (include examples).
A. Co-evolution – when different species change genetically
over time in response to each other – ex. lichens
B. Adaptive radiation – when new species arise from a common
ancestor because they live in different environments, have
different food sources, etc. – Darwin’s finches
7. List and explain the types of evidence (3 on G.O.) that are
used to support the theory of evolution (include examples).
A. DNA or biochemical information – similarities in the
nitrogen base sequences among different organisms – the
closer the sequences/the closer the relationship – ex – wolves
and dogs
B. Vestigial structures – body parts that are not used – ex. –
pelvic bones in whales
C. Fossils – preserved remains of ancient organisms – ex. –
marine rocks that look like shells
8. Define the following:
• A. Adaptive radiation – new species arising from a
common ancestor due to environmental conditions, food
sources, etc.
• B. Species – Group of similar organisms that can breed
and produce fertile offspring
• C. Natural selection – Inherited adaptations that
increase an organism’s chance of survival and are passed
to their offspring when they reproduce
• D. Fitness – Those organisms that are most suited to
their environments are most likely to succeed
• E. Adaptation – Any inherited trait that increases an
organisms chance of survival
• F. Artificial selection – Humans creating new breeds of
plants and animals by crossing parents that express
(show) desired traits
• G. Charles Darwin – The scientist who proposed the
theory of evolution
• H. Camouflage – organisms blending in with their
environment to increase their chance of survival
• I. Mimicry – organisms copying other organisms
appearance, behavior, sounds to increase their chance of
survival
• J. Innate – being born knowing how to do something
• K. Learned – knowing how to do something because you
were taught, observed, or learned by trial and error
• L. Co-evolution – different species changing genetically
over time in response to each other
9. List the 4 principles of Natural Selection.
 A.Variation within population
• B. Competition for limited resources
•
• C. More offspring are produced than can survive
•
• D. Individuals w/ variations that are most suited for
their habitat survive and reproduce
10. Does evolution take place in individuals or populations?
Explain.
Changes take place in the gene pool of populations through
mating and mutations and favorable traits are passed with
greater frequency to the offspring within the population
Be able to follow a clad/dichotomous key/chart.