🧬 Evolution Study Guide
📘 Definition of Evolution
Evolution is the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time. It explains the
diversity of life on Earth and is driven by processes such as natural selection, mutation, genetic
drift, and gene flow.
Key Terms
Term Definition
Natural Selection Process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend
to survive and reproduce more successfully.
Adaptation A heritable trait that improves an organism’s fitness (ability to survive
and reproduce) in its environment.
Mutation A change in DNA sequence; the ultimate source of genetic variation.
Fossil Record Remains or traces of organisms from the past, used to study
evolutionary history.
🔑 Core Concepts
1. Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection
● Variation exists within populations.
● More offspring are produced than can survive.
● Competition for resources leads to survival of the fittest.
● Individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce.
● These traits become more common over generations.
● New species could appear gradually through small changes
3. Mechanisms of Evolution
● Mutation: Adds new alleles.
● Natural Selection: Favors beneficial traits.
● Artificial selection or selective breeding occurs when humans breed other animals and
plants for specific and desired traits
● Better “equiped” animals have better chance of survival
● Variations can be inherited.
● Example: Insects ◼ Pesticides are chemicals used to kill insects that eat crops. Most
insects are not pesticide-resistant (protected), but some insects are pesticide-resistant ◼
● Example: Bird Beaks ◼ Most birds on an island have fragile, thin beaks and a few have
strong, thick beaks.
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📌 Helpful Diagrams to Review
● Evolutionary tree (cladogram)
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● Natural selection graphs (directional, stabilizing, disruptive)
● Examples of homologous and analogous structures
● Gene pool diagrams showing genetic drift and gene flow
● 1. Fossil Evidence ⚫ 2. Evidence from Anatomy ⚫ 3. Embryology ⚫ 4. Biochemistry ◦
Genetic Evidence ⚫ 5. Geographic Distribution ⚫ 6. Direct Observation
● Types of Adaptation:
● Adaptations ⚫ A trait shaped by natural selection that increases an organism’s
reproductive success ⚫
● Fitness: ◦ How well an organism is suited for an environment ◦ How well an organism
can pass it’s traits to the next generation
● Camouflage: ◦ Allows an organism to become almost invisible to predators
● Mimicry ▪ One species evolves to resemble another
● Speciation ⚫ A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile
offspring in nature. ⚫ interspecies breeding can sometimes produce offspring that are
infertile such as horses and donkeys producing mules ⚫ Speciation: the development of
a new species.
🧠 Tips for Studying Evolution
● Use mnemonics to remember key mechanisms (e.g., “MNGG” for Mutation, Natural
selection, Genetic drift, Gene flow).
● Practice cladogram analysis.
● Know real-life examples: peppered moths, Darwin’s finches, antibiotic resistance.
