Introduction to
evolution
Open a new window. Click on the link below.
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-intro-to-biology.html
Read the website and answer the following questions using complete sentences.
1. What is a common mistake that people believe about evolution?
2. What is the definition of evolution given on this site?
3. Why is the English moth cited as an example of evolution? Explain the situation.
4. In order to understand evolution, how do you have to view populations?
5. Explain the terms “microevolution” and “macroevolution.”
6. What are 3 major misconceptions of evolution? Explain each.
7. What does evolution require?
8. What are the 2 components of genetic variation?
9. What are alleles?
10. What are the 5 mechanisms of evolution?
11. Which ones increase genetic variation?
12. Which ones decrease genetic variation?
13. Explain natural selection.
14. What traits does natural selection favor?
15. What is the example of natural selection from the Galapagos Islands? Explain.
16. Natural selection may not lead a population to have the _______________________.
17. Natural selection only allows organisms to adapt to their _______________________.
18. What are misconceptions about natural selection?
19. What is sexual selection?
20. What is genetic drift?
21. What would happen if natural selection and genetic drift were the only mechanisms of
evolution?
22. What is a mutation?
23. Most mutations that have any phenotypic effect are deleterious. What does this mean?
24. Mutations create new ________________.
25. What is recombination (also known as crossing-over)?
26. Recombination creates new ________________________.
27. How is recombination a mechanism of evolution?
28. What is gene flow?
29. Adaptation is brought about by ______________________________________________.
30. Which mechanism of evolution did Darwin propose?
31. Who discovered the mode of inheritance during Darwin’s lifetime?
You may stop reading at “Incorporating Genetics into Evolutionary Theory.”
Choose one of the three web activities below. Complete the simulation. Make sure you read all
parts of the simulation. Click on the pictures to learn more about various organisms.
32. When you have completed the activity, write a paragraph (minimum 4 coherent
sentences) that explains what you have learned. You must complete at least 1 of the web
activities. If you have time, try the others.
An Origin of Species: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/darwin/origin/index.html
Microbe Clock: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/survival/clock/
The Evolving Enemy: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/survival/enemy/