MCAS Evolution Study Questions And Answer
Define the biological process of evolution. Correct Answer Evolution is a development of new types
of organisms from preexisting organisms overtime. Evolution can also be defined as the heritable
changes in characteristics within a population
Summarize the history of scientific ideas about evolution. (Lamark, Darwin, Wallace, Redi,
Spallanzani, Pasteur, Oparin, Urey, Miller, Linnaeus) Correct Answer Lamarck was the first person to
clearly state the theory that types of organisms change over time and that new types of organisms
are modified descendants of older types. Darwin came up with two main theories that descent with
modification, which states that newer species in the fossil record are modified descendants of older
species. Along with modification by natural selection, which states that organisms that are best
adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Wallace, developed a
concept of evolution similar to Darwin's. Wallace wrote a paper on the subject and corresponded
with Darwin. The two men decided to simultaneously present papers on evolution to London's
scientific community in 1858. Overall these scientists all formed together to make one conclusion
that living things change over time.
Describe Charles Darwin's contributions to scientific thinking about evolution. Correct Answer
Darwin enlightened the world about evolution. He explained natural selection means the best of the
best to survive,
Analyze the reasoning in Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Correct Answer Darwin
explained that through natural selection only the best organisms survive, while the weaker ones do
not. Also that the best organisms go on and reproduce making the next generation strong as well
Compare and contrast the concepts of adaptation and fitness to the theory of natural selection.
Correct Answer Adaptation means to change to become comfortable in your environment making
you stronger and fitness is the hereditary contribution, so giving those advantageous genes to the
next offspring.
Explain what "fitness" means to an evolutionary biologist. Correct Answer Fitness is a measure of an
individual's heredity contribution to the next generation
Relate several inferences about the history of life that are supported by evidence from fossils and
rocks. Correct Answer the distribution of fossils in the rock record indicate that different organisms
lived at different times; sequences of transitional life forms have been found
Explain how biogeography provides evidence that species evolve adaptations to their environments.
Correct Answer Where they are on the continent provides evidence of descent with modification.
Define the biological process of evolution. Correct Answer Evolution is a development of new types
of organisms from preexisting organisms overtime. Evolution can also be defined as the heritable
changes in characteristics within a population
Summarize the history of scientific ideas about evolution. (Lamark, Darwin, Wallace, Redi,
Spallanzani, Pasteur, Oparin, Urey, Miller, Linnaeus) Correct Answer Lamarck was the first person to
clearly state the theory that types of organisms change over time and that new types of organisms
are modified descendants of older types. Darwin came up with two main theories that descent with
modification, which states that newer species in the fossil record are modified descendants of older
species. Along with modification by natural selection, which states that organisms that are best
adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Wallace, developed a
concept of evolution similar to Darwin's. Wallace wrote a paper on the subject and corresponded
with Darwin. The two men decided to simultaneously present papers on evolution to London's
scientific community in 1858. Overall these scientists all formed together to make one conclusion
that living things change over time.
Describe Charles Darwin's contributions to scientific thinking about evolution. Correct Answer
Darwin enlightened the world about evolution. He explained natural selection means the best of the
best to survive,
Analyze the reasoning in Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Correct Answer Darwin
explained that through natural selection only the best organisms survive, while the weaker ones do
not. Also that the best organisms go on and reproduce making the next generation strong as well
Compare and contrast the concepts of adaptation and fitness to the theory of natural selection.
Correct Answer Adaptation means to change to become comfortable in your environment making
you stronger and fitness is the hereditary contribution, so giving those advantageous genes to the
next offspring.
Explain what "fitness" means to an evolutionary biologist. Correct Answer Fitness is a measure of an
individual's heredity contribution to the next generation
Relate several inferences about the history of life that are supported by evidence from fossils and
rocks. Correct Answer the distribution of fossils in the rock record indicate that different organisms
lived at different times; sequences of transitional life forms have been found
Explain how biogeography provides evidence that species evolve adaptations to their environments.
Correct Answer Where they are on the continent provides evidence of descent with modification.
