Evolution

Process where different kinds of living organisms are believed to have developed from earlier forms during Earth’s history

Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment have a higher likelihood of surviving and reproducing.

the process where populations of organisms change over generations as individuals with more advantageous, heritable traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass those traits on to their offspring

Over Generations, small differences accumulate within groups of a species. These groups can begin to branch off from each other, eventually beaming distinct species.

Some traits that may help an organism attract a mate, may also make the organism easier prey for predators.

Organisms that reproduce quickly can pass on beneficial traits and evolve faster, however, these individuals typically die sooner.

if a species cannot adapt quick enough to changing conditions, it may risk extinction.

VISTA Variation Inheritance Selection Time Adaptation

Variation refers to the differences in traits among individuals within a species. (Shape, Colour, Innate behaviours) Natural Selection cannot occur without Variation. Variation provides the options that nature selects from for survival.

Traits like eye colour or height are genetic and can be passed down from parents to offspring. The more advantageous trait an individual inherits, the better their chance of surviving and reproducing in their environment.

Environmental Factors that influence an organisms ability to survive and reproduce. Predation and Disease Traits that help an organism survive predation or disease will be favoured Food Availability Organisms best suited to consume, digest and find available food sources will survive Climate Temperature, Humidity, and seasonal changes can impact some organisms more. Mating Organisms with traits that make them more attractive are more likely to reproduce.

Evolutionary changes usually occur over long periods of time, as traits are passed onto offspring, and beneficial traits accumulate in a population. Rapid shifts in the environment can accelerate the process but, it also depends on the generation time of a species. e.g. Bacteria are easily able to adapt quick to changing selection pressures as opposed to Giraffes.

This is the process by which organisms become better suited to their environment through the accumulation of beneficial genetic traits. Behavioural, Physiological, Morphological

Isolation limits the interactions between groups, leading to unique traits in a population, which could potentially lead to a new species. This can be another factor influencing Natural Selection.

Where one population is cut off from exchanging genes as their DNA prevents them from producing viable fertile offspring.

The physical separation of populations by geographical barriers like oceans, preventing interactions.

Inherited Social, Cultural. or Language traits can lead to separation within a species.

(Selective breeding) process by which humans deliberately choose which organisms with specific traits are allowed to reproduce, thus influencing the genetic makeup of future generations

organisms that reproduce and create fertile offspring

Variation/Combination within the species

• Selection FOR the trait that you want. e.g. Breeding dogs that are Hypoallergenic • Selection AGAINST the trait that you don’t want e.g. neuterating aggressive cats so that they cant reproduce.

Process by which fossils are created • Organism dies and gets buried in sediment. • Soft tissues decompose and hard body structures become fossilised. • Layers accumulate and resultant pressure forms rock. • Earth’s movements raise the layers of the rocks exposing the fossilised body structures.

Represents collection of fossils that shows the remnants of past life on Earth