Development of Scientific Knowledge and Evolution Flashcard

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What is evolution by natural selection?

Back

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

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What is genetic variation?

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Differences in DNA among individuals, which can lead to different traits in a population.

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How does genetic variation contribute to evolution?

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It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments.

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What is a common ancestor?

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An ancestral species from which multiple species have evolved.

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What is adaptation?

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

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What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

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Fossils, genetic similarities, and observed changes in species over time.

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What role do environmental changes play in evolution?

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They can create new challenges that drive natural selection and lead to adaptations.

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What is the significance of the fossil record?

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It provides historical evidence of past life forms and shows how species have changed over time.

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What is the difference between a species and a population?

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A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed, while a population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

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What is the importance of high genetic variation in a population?

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It increases the chances of survival and adaptation to environmental changes.