Name ____________________________________________ Date ________ Block __
Chapter 12 Adaptations Over Time Study Guide (Pages 334-341)
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DARWIN AND LAMARCK’S
THEORIES
 Darwin and his theory of Natural Selection (Green Flip Book)
o Key Points- there is variation within a species, organisms
can only pass on trait that they are born with, it is the
“WINNING” theory
 Lamarck and his theory of Acquired Characteristics (Purple
Flip Book)
 The 4 things that drive Natural Selection
o Overproduction- having more offspring than can survive
so the more “fit” organisms survive.
o Competition- organisms of the same species fight for the
similar resources, like food, water, mates and territory
o Variation- some organisms are born with a slight
advantage that helps them survive
o Selection- those organisms that are best adapted and
suited to their environment will survive and pass on their
traits to future offspring.
 Adaptation- a trait or behavior that helps an organism survive
o 2 Types:
1. Physical- the features or structures of an organisms body
a. Ex: thick fur, webbed feet, long claws, hollow bones
of a bird to help it fly
2. Behavioral- things an organism does to survive. (The
way it BEHAVES OR ACTS)
a. Ex: migrating, hibernating, the opossum playing
dead, a bear standing on hind legs to make himself
look larger and more threatening
 Species- a group of organisms that share similar
characteristics that can reproduce among themselves to
produce fertile offspring.
 Know that organisms can change into new species over time
 Variations- differences in members of the same species
 Mutations- a change in an organism’s genes that can cause
variation.
 Offspring- the “babies” of an organism
Name ____________________________________________ Date ________ Block __
Chapter 12 Adaptations Over Time Study Guide (Pages 334-341)