Concepts, Theories, processes and vocab terms from Gillooly review sheet

In a population of flowers with varying petal lengths, pollinators consistently prefer flowers with intermediate petal lengths. Over generations, the frequency of flowers with intermediate petal lengths increases, while the frequencies of both short and long-petaled flowers decrease. What type of natural selection is likely occurring in this population?

In a population of fish, researchers observe a genetic change that results in a new trait providing enhanced camouflage, leading to increased survival rates. What biological process is most likely responsible for the appearance of this advantageous trait?

In a dense forest, two groups of insects with distinct mating behaviors coexist, but they rarely interbreed. What type of speciation is most likely occurring in this scenario?

Two species of mammals, one from North America and one from Australia, develop similar body shapes, fur coloration, and feeding habits despite their distinct evolutionary histories. What type of evolution best describes this phenomenon?

In a species of beetles, males engage in fierce competitions for access to females, with the winner gaining the opportunity to mate. The physical strength and weaponry of males are crucial in determining mating success. What type of sexual selection is evident in this species?

In a population of frogs, individuals with brighter and more distinct calls are more successful in attracting mates during the breeding season. Over time, the frequency of these elaborate calls increases in the population. What type of selection is most likely at play in this scenario?

In a population of birds, individuals with either very short or very long beaks are favored, while birds with intermediate beak lengths have a lower fitness. Over time, the population becomes bimodal, with distinct peaks in short and long beak lengths. What type of natural selection is most evident in this population?

In a region, two groups of birds with different song patterns coexist, and members of each group do not interbreed. But when brought into captivity, the birds from both groups mate and produce fertile offspring. According to the Biological Species Concept, what is the most appropriate classification for these birds?

In a population of birds, a river forms a new and impassable barrier, separating the birds on either side. Over time, the populations diverge, and genetic differences accumulate. What type of speciation is most likely occurring in this scenario?

A common ancestor of a group of birds gives rise to multiple species, each adapting to different ecological niches with varying beak shapes, feeding habits, and plumage colors. What type of evolution is exemplified by the divergence of these species?

Among a group of primates, males compete with each other for the attention and favor of females during the mating season. The males with the most dominant and aggressive behaviors are more successful in mating. What type of sexual selection is evident in this species?

In a forest ecosystem, a population of butterflies evolves color patterns that mimic the appearance of toxic species to deter predators. Over generations, more individuals in the population exhibit this protective coloration. What type of selection is most likely responsible for this adaptation?

In a population of frogs, individuals with brighter and more distinct calls are more successful in attracting mates during the breeding season. Over time, the frequency of these elaborate calls increases in the population. What type of selection is most likely at play in this scenario?

Two competing species of flowers in a meadow undergo constant adaptations to enhance their attractiveness to pollinators. What evolutionary principle is most likely at play in this relationship between the flowers?

Which concept or theory proposes that in coevolving interactions, species need to continually adapt and evolve just to maintain their current level of relative fitness.

In the context of speciation, which scenario involves the absence of geographic isolation leading to the emergence of distinct species?

The term "sympatric" means different and distinct geographic area.