Evolution Test Preview Q&A
1
Q
Define:
Evolution
A
The change in frequency of a population’s inherited traits over subsequent generations.
Evolution only occurs within populations; individual organisms do not change genetically
over time to adjust to their environment.
2
Q
What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?
A
Microevolution relates to evolutionary changes that occur within a single
population. Its scope is fairly small, since it only deals with one species at a time.
Macroevolution relates to larger-scale changes and interactions between multiple
populations (and thus multiple species).
3
Q
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a French naturalist, proposed two key ideas as part of his
explanation for evolution. Name these ideas.
A
Use and disuse
Inheritance of acquired characteristics
,Use and disuse is the idea that we “build up” body parts that we use often, while those
parts that we do not use tend to atrophy (weaken). This idea is still considered to be
accurate today.
In contrast, inheritance of acquired characteristics (or the thought that organisms pass
down traits gained over their lifetimes) is now considered to be wrong.
4
Q
In his famous theory, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed that the “use or disuse” of a trait
dictated its heritability. In a classic example, giraffes who often stretched their necks
would have offspring with longer necks than average. Describe the problem with this
hypothesis.
A
Non-genetic traits that are acquired during an organism’s lifetime cannot be passed
down to its offspring.
According to the “use and disuse” concept, organisms lose traits they do not need and
develop traits that are useful to them. However, genes (not acquired traits) are inherited
by offspring, making Lamarck’s theory an incorrect, and now discredited, explanation for
evolution.
5
Q
Our modern understanding of evolution stems largely from the findings of which
individual, who proposed the concept of natural selection?
A
Charles Darwin
,Charles Darwin was a naturalist whose most famous work, On the Origin of Species,
proposed the concepts that we understand to be largely true today - most notably, that
natural selection drives evolutionary changes within a species as well as the
development of new species.
6
Q
Define:
Natural selection
A
The change in frequency of a trait within a population, based on the effect that trait has
on reproductive success.
Traits that allow an organism to produce more viable offspring are more likely to be
passed on to future generations.
7
Q
Name five sources or fields of study that provide support for the concept of evolution.
A
, Paleontology (study of the fossil record)
Biogeography (study of the distribution of animals and plants)
Comparative anatomy
Comparative embryology
Molecular biology
8
Q
Comparative anatomy most notably includes the study of which two types of
anatomical structures?
A
1. Homologous structures
2. Analogous structures
9
Q
Define:
Homologous structures
A
These are anatomical features of two species that developed from the same part of a
common ancestor.
1
Q
Define:
Evolution
A
The change in frequency of a population’s inherited traits over subsequent generations.
Evolution only occurs within populations; individual organisms do not change genetically
over time to adjust to their environment.
2
Q
What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?
A
Microevolution relates to evolutionary changes that occur within a single
population. Its scope is fairly small, since it only deals with one species at a time.
Macroevolution relates to larger-scale changes and interactions between multiple
populations (and thus multiple species).
3
Q
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a French naturalist, proposed two key ideas as part of his
explanation for evolution. Name these ideas.
A
Use and disuse
Inheritance of acquired characteristics
,Use and disuse is the idea that we “build up” body parts that we use often, while those
parts that we do not use tend to atrophy (weaken). This idea is still considered to be
accurate today.
In contrast, inheritance of acquired characteristics (or the thought that organisms pass
down traits gained over their lifetimes) is now considered to be wrong.
4
Q
In his famous theory, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed that the “use or disuse” of a trait
dictated its heritability. In a classic example, giraffes who often stretched their necks
would have offspring with longer necks than average. Describe the problem with this
hypothesis.
A
Non-genetic traits that are acquired during an organism’s lifetime cannot be passed
down to its offspring.
According to the “use and disuse” concept, organisms lose traits they do not need and
develop traits that are useful to them. However, genes (not acquired traits) are inherited
by offspring, making Lamarck’s theory an incorrect, and now discredited, explanation for
evolution.
5
Q
Our modern understanding of evolution stems largely from the findings of which
individual, who proposed the concept of natural selection?
A
Charles Darwin
,Charles Darwin was a naturalist whose most famous work, On the Origin of Species,
proposed the concepts that we understand to be largely true today - most notably, that
natural selection drives evolutionary changes within a species as well as the
development of new species.
6
Q
Define:
Natural selection
A
The change in frequency of a trait within a population, based on the effect that trait has
on reproductive success.
Traits that allow an organism to produce more viable offspring are more likely to be
passed on to future generations.
7
Q
Name five sources or fields of study that provide support for the concept of evolution.
A
, Paleontology (study of the fossil record)
Biogeography (study of the distribution of animals and plants)
Comparative anatomy
Comparative embryology
Molecular biology
8
Q
Comparative anatomy most notably includes the study of which two types of
anatomical structures?
A
1. Homologous structures
2. Analogous structures
9
Q
Define:
Homologous structures
A
These are anatomical features of two species that developed from the same part of a
common ancestor.
