Give 4 sources of evidence for evolution
How can the relative age of fossils be determined?
How do fossils provide evidence for evolution?
What is comparative anatomy?
The study of similarities and differences between organisms’ anatomy
How does comparative anatomy provide evidence for evolution?
-Homologous structures provide evidence for divergent evolution and that from a common ancestor different species have evolved
What are homologous structures?
A structure which appears superficially different (and may perform different functions) in different organisms but has the same underlying structure
What is divergent evolution?
Species diverge over time into two different species, resulting in new species becoming less like the old one
What is comparative biochemistry?
Similarities and differences between the chemical make up of organisms
How does comparative biochemistry provide evidence for evolution?
How does comparative embryology provide evidence for evolution?
What is variation?
Differences in characteristics or genes within or between species
Define intraspecific variation
Differences between individuals within the same species
Define interspecific variation
Differences between different species
What are the 2 causes of variation?
Environment and genetics
Are environmental effects heritable?
No
Give 2 examples of environmental effects
Hair dye
Diet
Are genetic factors heritable?
Yes
What are the 5 causes of genetic variation?
What are the two types of mutations?
Point mutations and chromosomal mutations
What are point mutations?
Change in the base sequence of DNA
How do chromosomal mutations arise?
From crossing over
What are the two sources of variation in meiosis?
- independent assortment
What are the two types of variation?
Continuous and discontinuous
What is continuous variation?