The Living World
SCI 2020
Study Guide for Exam 1 on September 14, 2012
Ch. 14
How did reading books by Lyell and Malthus influence Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution?
- From Lyell, Darwin saw that species gradually changed over time
o Example: the Finches
- From Malthus, Darwin perceived the idea of natural selection
o Survival of the fittest
o Those species that possessed physical, behavioral or other attributes survived over those who didn’t (Natural Selection)
What evidence is there to support the theory of evolution through natural selection?
- Fossil- are preserved remains, tracks, or traces of once-living organisms
o Most direct evidence of macroevolution
o By dating the rock we can get an accurate idea of how old the fossil is (history of evolutionary change)
- Anatomical- reveals similarities between structures of species
o Homologous, analogous, vestigial organs
- Experimental-
- Artificial Selection – breeder selects the desired characteristics through breeding individuals with the correct/desired indviduals
What was special about the appearances of the finches and other animals on the Galapagos Islands, given the origin and location of the islands?
- According to Darwin the finches all looked like they descended from a related ancestor
- The only difference was the birds’ beaks. The sizes and shapes differed around the island depending on environment, as well as differing from the main land finches too.
- These species had adapted to the particular foods and other conditions where they inhabited.
What is the significance of homologous, analogous, and vestigial structures in evolution? What is an example of each?
- Homologous- although the structure and function of the bones have diverged, they are derived from the same body part present in a common ancestor.
- Analogous –
Study Guide for Exam 1 on September 14, 2012
Ch. 14
How did reading books by Lyell and Malthus influence Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution?
- From Lyell, Darwin saw that species gradually changed over time
o Example: the Finches
- From Malthus, Darwin perceived the idea of natural selection
o Survival of the fittest
o Those species that possessed physical, behavioral or other attributes survived over those who didn’t (Natural Selection)
What evidence is there to support the theory of evolution through natural selection?
- Fossil- are preserved remains, tracks, or traces of once-living organisms
o Most direct evidence of macroevolution
o By dating the rock we can get an accurate idea of how old the fossil is (history of evolutionary change)
- Anatomical- reveals similarities between structures of species
o Homologous, analogous, vestigial organs
- Experimental-
- Artificial Selection – breeder selects the desired characteristics through breeding individuals with the correct/desired indviduals
What was special about the appearances of the finches and other animals on the Galapagos Islands, given the origin and location of the islands?
- According to Darwin the finches all looked like they descended from a related ancestor
- The only difference was the birds’ beaks. The sizes and shapes differed around the island depending on environment, as well as differing from the main land finches too.
- These species had adapted to the particular foods and other conditions where they inhabited.
What is the significance of homologous, analogous, and vestigial structures in evolution? What is an example of each?
- Homologous- although the structure and function of the bones have diverged, they are derived from the same body part present in a common ancestor.
- Analogous –