Evolution unit test seventh grade answers

Answer 1

1. What is evolution?
Answer: Evolution is the process by which species change over time through the process of natural selection.

2. What is natural selection?
Answer: Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to their offspring.

3. Describe the process of adaptation.
Answer: Adaptation is the process by which organisms evolve traits that help them survive in their environment. These traits are passed on to future generations, increasing the chances of their survival.

4. What is a common ancestor?
Answer: A common ancestor is a species that is believed to be the ancestor of two or more different species that have evolved from it over time.

5. How does fossil evidence support the theory of evolution?
Answer: Fossil evidence shows the gradual changes in species over time, providing a record of the evolution of life on Earth.

6. Explain the concept of homologous structures.
Answer: Homologous structures are structures in different species that are similar in structure and function, indicating a common ancestry.

7. How does genetic evidence support the theory of evolution?
Answer: Genetic evidence shows similarities in DNA sequences among different species, providing further evidence of a common ancestry and evolutionary relationships.

8. What is the difference between artificial selection and natural selection?
Answer: Artificial selection is the process by which humans selectively breed plants and animals for specific traits, while natural selection is the process by which organisms in nature adapt to their environment through survival of the fittest.

9. How does the theory of evolution explain the diversity of life on Earth?
Answer: The theory of evolution explains that the diversity of life on Earth is a result of gradual changes in species over time through natural selection, leading to the adaptation of different organisms to their environments.

10. Why is the theory of evolution considered a scientific theory?
Answer: The theory of evolution is considered a scientific theory because it is supported by a vast amount of scientific evidence from multiple disciplines, including biology, genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy. It can be tested and falsified through experimentation and observation.