Biology 1407: Key Concepts in Evolution and
Natural Selection Questions with Correct
Answers
What is evolution?
The change in inherited characteristics of populations over generations, leading to changes in
species over time.
What are Darwin's two hypotheses in The Origin of Species?
Descent with modification explains that species share common ancestors and change over
time; natural selection explains how beneficial traits become more common.
What is natural theology?
The belief that species were fixed and designed, conflicting with the idea that species evolve
and change.
How did fossils and sedimentary rock impact evolutionary thought?
They showed that organisms from the past differed from modern organisms, supporting the
idea of evolution.
What is Cuvier's Theory of Catastrophism?
The theory that sudden disasters caused species changes.
What is Lamarck's Theory of the Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics?
The theory that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime.
How did gradualism and uniformitarianism influence biological evolution?
Natural Selection Questions with Correct
Answers
What is evolution?
The change in inherited characteristics of populations over generations, leading to changes in
species over time.
What are Darwin's two hypotheses in The Origin of Species?
Descent with modification explains that species share common ancestors and change over
time; natural selection explains how beneficial traits become more common.
What is natural theology?
The belief that species were fixed and designed, conflicting with the idea that species evolve
and change.
How did fossils and sedimentary rock impact evolutionary thought?
They showed that organisms from the past differed from modern organisms, supporting the
idea of evolution.
What is Cuvier's Theory of Catastrophism?
The theory that sudden disasters caused species changes.
What is Lamarck's Theory of the Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics?
The theory that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime.
How did gradualism and uniformitarianism influence biological evolution?
