Topic 5: Evolution by Natural Selection

Question 1

What were Darwin’s two key points?

Answer 1

1. Descent w/ modification (evolution)
2. Natural selection as mechanism for evolution

Question 2

Theory of Catastrophism

Answer 2

Cuvier - Each boundary btwn strata corresponds to a catastrophic event

Question 3

Theory of Transformism

Answer 3

Lamarck - Species changed through the inheritance of aqcuired characteristics

Question 4

Malthus’ theory

Answer 4

Competition for limited resources

Question 5

Lyell’s theory

Answer 5

Earth is old and shaped by geological processes

Question 6

What is the concept of unity and diversity

Answer 6

Why species resemble each other and why they differ

Question 7

What is genotypic variation?

Answer 7

Difference in DNA among indivs in populations

Question 8

What is phenotypic variation?

Answer 8

Diversity of phenotypes w/i a population

Question 9

Requirements for natural selection to act on variation

Answer 9

1. Must be heritable, caused by genotype, and expressed in phenotype