Biology Chapter 10 Test 10.2

Biology Chapter 10 Test 10.2

1. Darwin observed variation among island species

   • variation is the difference in the physical traits of an individual from those of other individuals in the group to which it belongs
     • interspecific....same species
     • intraspecific....different species
   • domed tortoises
     • short neck and short legs and live in areas with low vegetation
   • saddle-backed tortoises
     • high shell edges allowing them to stretch their long neks to reach tall vegetation
   • finches with strong, thick beaks live in areas with a lot of large, hard shelled nuts
   • finches with delicate beaks live in areas with insects and fruits

2. Darwin realized species could adapt to their environment

   • An adaptation is a feature that allows an organism to better survive and reproduce in its environment
     • can lead to a change in population over time

3. Darwin observed fossil and geologic evidence of an ancient Earth

   • fossil evidence
     • finding of the Glyptodon (giant armadillo) fossil....modern animals might have some relationship to fossil forms
   • geologic evidence
     • fossil shells of marine organisms high up in the Andes Mountains
       • land that had been underwater was moved up above sea level through earthquake
         • supported Lyell's theory that daily geologic processes can add up to great change over long periods of time
           • evolutionary gradualism