Evolution Test Study Guide Part 1

Galapagos Island Finches Beaks Natural Selection • Charles Darwin was a naturalist who studied finches that led to his theory of natural selection. Use the following words to explain how he used finches to develop his theory. Galapagos Island Finches Beaks Natural Selection

Darwin studied the different groups of finches on the Galapagos Islands. He noticed that their beaks were different depending on what food they ate and their environment. Darwin thought that the finches adapted to their specific habitat and food source. He called this natural selection.

What does “survival of the fittest” mean? Darwin said that the individuals of a species that are best suited to their environment (fittest) will survive and reproduce better than the others of that species.

What are the 5 Principles of Natural Selection? Organisms produce more offspring than can survive. Differences, or variations, occur among individuals of a species. Variations are passed on to offspring. Individuals with helpful variations survive and reproduce better than those without these variations. Over time, the offspring of these individuals will make up more of the population and eventually become a separate species.

Homologous Structure Similar body parts which show that different species may share common ancestors. (wing, fin, hand)

Vestigial Structure Something that was once used in the body, but doesn’t seem to have a purpose now.

The remains, imprint, or trace of a prehistoric organism. Fossil The remains, imprint, or trace of a prehistoric organism.

The study of the early growth stages of an organism. Embryology The study of the early growth stages of an organism.

The type of dating which uses radioactive materials. Radiometric Dating The type of dating which uses radioactive materials.

Variation An inherited trait that makes an individual different other members of its species.

Any variation that makes an organism better suited to its environment. Adaptation Any variation that makes an organism better suited to its environment.

Humans, monkeys and apes. Primate Humans, monkeys and apes.