UPCAT Biology — EvolutionCheat Sheet
Cheat sheet for UPCAT Biology — Evolution. Compact, printable, and organised around the concepts University of the Philippines tests most frequently in the UPCAT 2026. Perfect for the week before exam day.
Exam context
On the UPCAT 2026, the Biology subtest carries a "Core" weight in University of the Philippines's pattern. Evolution lands at position 7th out of 7 in the standard review order. Target score is UPG ≤ 2.2 typical, and roughly 20 items come from Biology on a typical UPCAT paper.
Evolution - Cheat sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for Evolution concepts - covering Darwin, Lamarck, and key evolutionary principles for exam success
Sections
Section Title
Darwin's Theory of Evolution
Important Facts
- All species arise through natural selection
- Variations enhance survival, competition, and reproduction
- Only inherited traits can be passed to offspring
- Evolution occurs over many generations
- Survival of the fittest means best adapted, not strongest
- Darwin studied finches in Galápagos Islands
- Published 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859
Key Definitions
Term
Natural Selection
Example
Giraffes with longer necks reaching higher leaves survive better
Definition
Process where organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce more successfully
Term
Evolution
Example
Development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
Definition
Change in species over time through natural selection of inherited variations
Term
Variation
Example
Different beak sizes in finches
Definition
Differences in traits among individuals within a species
Term
Adaptation
Example
Camouflage coloring in moths
Definition
Inherited trait that increases an organism's survival and reproduction
Diagrams To Know
- Darwin's finches with different beak shapes
- Natural selection cycle diagram
- Evolutionary tree showing common ancestry
Section Title
Lamarck's Theory of Evolution
Important Facts
- Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed theory before Darwin
- Emphasized role of environment in evolution
- Believed organisms could change during their lifetime
- Thought changes were directed by need
- Theory largely disproven by modern genetics
- Some aspects supported by epigenetics research
- Focused on individual organism changes
Key Definitions
Term
Law of Use and Disuse
Example
Giraffe stretching neck to reach leaves makes it longer
Definition
Organs used frequently become stronger; unused organs weaken and disappear
Term
Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics
Example
Blacksmith's strong arms inherited by children
Definition
Traits developed during life can be passed to offspring
Term
Environmental Pressure
Example
Drought forcing animals to find new food sources
Definition
External conditions that force organisms to develop new traits
Diagrams To Know
- Giraffe neck elongation through generations
- Use and disuse examples in various animals
- Environmental pressure leading to trait development
Section Title
Key Differences Between Theories
Important Facts
- Darwin: variations exist before selection
- Lamarck: variations develop in response to need
- Darwin: random variations, natural selection
- Lamarck: directed variations, inheritance of acquired traits
- Darwin: population-level changes
- Lamarck: individual-level changes
- Modern science supports Darwin's theory
Must Remember
- Darwin: Natural selection acts on existing variations
- Lamarck: Use and disuse + inheritance of acquired traits
- Only inherited genetic traits can be passed to offspring
- Evolution occurs at population level over generations
- Environmental pressure drives natural selection
- Variations must exist before selection can act
- Fitness = reproductive success, not physical strength
- Darwin studied Galápagos finches as key evidence
- Lamarck emphasized environmental influence on evolution
- Modern genetics supports Darwin, not Lamarck's inheritance theory
Last Minute Tips
- Remember: Darwin = natural selection of existing traits, Lamarck = inheritance of acquired traits
- For exam questions on giraffe necks: Lamarck says stretching caused elongation, Darwin says longer-necked individuals survived better
- Know the difference: variation BEFORE selection (Darwin) vs variation FROM need (Lamarck)
- Common mistake: Don't say organisms 'try to evolve' - evolution has no goal or direction
- Key phrases: 'survival of the fittest' = Darwin, 'use and disuse' = Lamarck
Comparison Tables
Rows
Values
- Random genetic variations
- Environmental pressure creates need
Property
Source of Variation
Values
- Natural selection
- Use and disuse of organs
Property
Selection Mechanism
Values
- Only genetic traits inherited
- Acquired characteristics inherited
Property
Inheritance
Values
- Non-directed, random
- Directed by organism's needs
Property
Direction
Values
- Many generations
- Within individual's lifetime
Property
Time Scale
Values
- Supported by modern genetics
- Largely disproven
Property
Scientific Support
Columns
- Aspect
- Darwin's Theory
- Lamarck's Theory
Table Title
Darwin vs Lamarck Evolution Theories
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