Evolution

Question 1

What is evolution

Answer 1

A change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time through natural selection
This may result in the formation of a new species

Question 2

What does the theory of evolution by natural selection state

Answer 2

All species of living things have evolved from simple life forms that first developed more than 3 billion years ago

Question 3

What is survival of the fittest

Answer 3

Organisms with the most suitable characteristics to the environment are more likely to survive

Question 4

How might a species evolve over time

Answer 4

Mutation causes a new phenotype
If it is suited to the environment it can survive better than the other versions of the phenotype
This means it is more likely to reproduce and pass on the genes
The organisms that are less suited are less likely to survive and pass on genes
Overtime the beneficial characteristics will become more common meaning the species has evolved

Question 5

What is extinction

Answer 5

When there are no remaining individuals of a species alive

Question 6

Which reasons do species become extinct

Answer 6

Environment changes too quickly-e.g. destruction of habitats
A new predator kills them all e.g. humans hunting
A new disease kills them all
They can’t compete with another species for food
Catastrophic event

Question 7

What lead Darwin to establish his theory of evolution

Answer 7

He went on a trip around the world where he observed different animals
He did experiments, discussions and found new knowledge of fossils and geology

Question 8

What were the key points of Darwin’s theory of evolution

Answer 8

Individual organisms within a species show a variety of characteristics
Individuals with characteristics suited to the environment are most likely to survive and breed successfully
These characteristics are then passed on to the next generation

Question 9

Why did people not accept Darwin’s theory of evolution at first

Answer 9

Challenged religious beliefs
Insufficient evidence at the time
The mechanism of inheritance and variation was not known until 50 years after the theory was published

Question 10

What happens if 2 populations of one species become extremely different and try to breed

Answer 10

They can no longer inbreed to form fertile offspring meaning they have formed 2 new species