Zoe Pearson
Grade 12: Evolution
These are some useful definitions or tricky questions that came up in the study
guide. I would recommend blocking the answers to the questions and trying to
test yourself. These questions should help you become more familiar with how
the IEB asks questions and the type of answers they expect.
, Zoe Pearson
Helpful definitions
Biological The change in the genetic composition of living organisms from one gen
evolution to the next.
macro-evolution The development of new life forms from earlier life forms over many
generations by means of speciation.
micro-evolution It is the variations that occur within a species and that are transferred to
the offspring.
hypothesis An informed assumption because it provides a proposed solution to a
problem or explanation of a scientific phenomenon, based on evidence or
observation.
theory Well-substantiated explanation or hypothesis that makes sense of a
natural phenomenon. It is based on evidence and is usually tested and
confirmed by independent groups of researchers. It develops and is
changed or replaced as new evidence is discovered
fossils Complete organisms or the remains, imprints or traces of organisms
normally preserved in rocks
Fossil record Summary of all the listed and known fossils of different ages that
palaeontologists have found worldwide
Homologous Structures that have the same basic structure but functions differ
structures
biogeography Study of the distribution of p+a species(extinct+extant) in specific
geographical regions
Artificial Deliberate breeding of plants and animals for desired characteristics that
selections would not necessarily benefit the survival of the offspring
Natural selection The mechanism by which evolution occurs- nature selects the individuals
that are best adapted to the environment
Geographical An ecological factor e.g. rivers, deserts or mountains that prevents
barrier crossbreeding or gene flow between two populations of a species
Reproductive The behavioural patterns, physiological processes or structural designs
isolation that prevent 2 different species from crossbreeding and producing viable
offspring
courtship Behavioural patterns of male and female animals that indicate sexual
maturity and ultimately lead to mating and fertilisation
Species-specific Only individuals of the same species will recognise and respond to
courtship courtship signals
Grade 12: Evolution
These are some useful definitions or tricky questions that came up in the study
guide. I would recommend blocking the answers to the questions and trying to
test yourself. These questions should help you become more familiar with how
the IEB asks questions and the type of answers they expect.
, Zoe Pearson
Helpful definitions
Biological The change in the genetic composition of living organisms from one gen
evolution to the next.
macro-evolution The development of new life forms from earlier life forms over many
generations by means of speciation.
micro-evolution It is the variations that occur within a species and that are transferred to
the offspring.
hypothesis An informed assumption because it provides a proposed solution to a
problem or explanation of a scientific phenomenon, based on evidence or
observation.
theory Well-substantiated explanation or hypothesis that makes sense of a
natural phenomenon. It is based on evidence and is usually tested and
confirmed by independent groups of researchers. It develops and is
changed or replaced as new evidence is discovered
fossils Complete organisms or the remains, imprints or traces of organisms
normally preserved in rocks
Fossil record Summary of all the listed and known fossils of different ages that
palaeontologists have found worldwide
Homologous Structures that have the same basic structure but functions differ
structures
biogeography Study of the distribution of p+a species(extinct+extant) in specific
geographical regions
Artificial Deliberate breeding of plants and animals for desired characteristics that
selections would not necessarily benefit the survival of the offspring
Natural selection The mechanism by which evolution occurs- nature selects the individuals
that are best adapted to the environment
Geographical An ecological factor e.g. rivers, deserts or mountains that prevents
barrier crossbreeding or gene flow between two populations of a species
Reproductive The behavioural patterns, physiological processes or structural designs
isolation that prevent 2 different species from crossbreeding and producing viable
offspring
courtship Behavioural patterns of male and female animals that indicate sexual
maturity and ultimately lead to mating and fertilisation
Species-specific Only individuals of the same species will recognise and respond to
courtship courtship signals
