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After the "Evolution" lecture and readings you should be able to answer and discuss the following questions.

What is meant by the term "evolution"?

What is the basic premise of the theory of evolution, as applied to living organisms?

Who came up with the theory of evolution based on natural selection?

What does natural selection mean?

What does the phrase "survival of the fittest" mean?

By what mechanism do traits get passed on from one generation to the next?

Define mutation, and describe the mechanisms by which mutations occur.

Describe the relationship between mutation and fitness.

What is speciation?

List and describe the types of speciation.

Describe phyletic gradualism.

Describe punctuated equilibrium.

List and describe the styles of evolution.

What is taxonomy?

What is a species?

What is extinction?

How does extinction differ from mass extinction?

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