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The Historical Context for Evolutionary Theory
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1.
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Explain the mechanism for evolutionary change proposed by Charles Darwin
in On the Origin of Species.
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2.
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Define evolution and adaptation.
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3.
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Compare and contrast Aristotle’s scala naturae to Carolus Linnaeus’
classification scheme.
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4.
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Describe the theories of catastrophism, gradualism, and uniformitarianism.
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5.
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Explain the mechanism for evolutionary change proposed by Jean-Baptiste de
Lamarck. Explain why modern biology has rejected Lamarck’s theories.
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The Darwinian Revolution
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6.
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Describe how Darwin’s observations on the voyage of the HMS Beagle
led him to formulate and support his theory of evolution.
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7.
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Explain how the principle of gradualism and Charles Lyell’s theory of
uniformitarianism influenced Darwin’s ideas about evolution.
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8.
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Explain what Darwin meant by “descent with modification.”
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9.
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Explain what evidence convinced Darwin that species change over time.
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10.
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Explain how Linnaeus’ classification scheme fit Darwin’s theory of
evolution by natural selection.
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11.
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Describe the three inferences Darwin made from his observations that led
him to propose natural selection as a mechanism for evolutionary change.
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12.
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Explain how an essay by the Rev. Thomas Malthus influenced Charles Darwin.
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13.
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Distinguish between artificial selection and natural selection.
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14.
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Explain why an individual organism cannot evolve.
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15.
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Describe the experiments that supported Reznick and Endler’s hypothesis
that differences in life-history traits between guppy populations are due
to selective pressure based on predation.
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16.
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Explain how the existence of homologous and vestigial structures can be
explained by Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
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17.
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Explain how evidence from biogeography supports the theory of evolution by
natural selection.
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18.
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Explain the problem with the statement that Darwinism is “just a
theory.” Distinguish between the scientific and colloquial use of the
word theory.
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