In evolutionary terms, can we say which among bacteria, spiders, fish and chimpanzees have a ‘better’ body design? Why or why not?
In evolutionary terms, can we say which among bacteria, spiders, fish and chimpanzees have a ‘better’ body design? Why or why not?
Chimpanzees have more complex body design than fish, followed by spiders and then bacteria. Yet, we cannot say that chimpanzees have a better body design, because evolution does not necessarily mean progress. Evolution simply means the generation of diversity and selection by nature. It is the adaptability of an organism to the environment that supports its survival, not its complexity. Bacteria which are the simplest life forms still survive today. They are found in varied habitats like hot springs, in ice sheets, etc. only because of their adaptability to the ‘changing environment'. Thus, in evolutionary terms, we cannot say that a particular organism has a better body design.
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Define ‘natural selection’. (b) “Only variations that confer an advantage to an individual organism will survive in a population”. Do you agree with this statement? Give reason for your answer.
4 years ago
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Define ‘speciation’. Explain how speciation occurs. (b) Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of a self-pollinating plant species? Give reason for your answer.
4 years ago
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(a) Explain the terms ‘analogous organs’ and ‘homologous organs’ with examples. (b) In what way are analogous organs evidence for evolution?
4 years ago
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What do you understand by the term ‘evolution’? State Darwin’s theory of evolution.
4 years ago
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Name the scientist who gave the theory of origin of life on earth. What is this theory? (b) How are those species which are now ‘extinct’ studied?
4 years ago
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