Evolution and natural selection

Front

What determines biological fitness in an organism?

Back

Biological fitness is determined by how many offspring will be left by an organism.

Front

What is the term for when every organism of a species has died?

Back

Extinction.

Front

What is the process called when an organism with an adaptation competes better for resources, survives longer, and passes that adaptation to its offspring?

Back

Evolution by natural selection.

Front

How long does evolution typically take?

Back

Evolution typically happens over millions of years.

Front

What is a slight difference in an inherited trait between individual members of the same species called?

Back

Variations.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

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.

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is crucial for natural selection, as it provides the raw material for evolution.

Front

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can lead to new traits in a population.