ANTB14 - MIDTERM REVIEW

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Questions and Answers

Which type of speciation involves geographical isolation leading to divergence of species?

Peripatric speciation

Sympatric speciation

Vicariant speciation

Allopatric speciation (correct)

How do homologous traits help in cladistics compared to analogous traits?

They indicate common ancestry (correct)

They have different evolutionary origins

They are not relevant for phylogenetic reconstruction

They arise from convergent evolution

What premise does punctuated equilibrium challenge in regards to the pace of evolution?

That evolution is entirely random

That species undergo constant gradual changes (correct)

That evolution does not occur in bursts

That environmental factors play no role

Which of the following traits is typically used to differentiate primates from other mammals?

Flat nails on at least one digit Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism of evolutionary change is characterized by random changes in allele frequencies within a population?

Genetic drift Signup and view all the answers

Which feature enhances the depth perception for primates compared to other mammals?

Enhanced stereoscopic vision Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason anthropologists study nonhuman primates?

To investigate human evolutionary relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about evolutionary change is false?

Random mutation is the only source of genetic variation Signup and view all the answers

What do internal nodes in a phylogenetic tree represent?

Hypothetical common ancestors Signup and view all the answers

Which method focuses on shared derived characteristics to classify organisms?

Cladistics Signup and view all the answers

How can clades be identified in a phylogenetic tree?

By cutting the tree at specific nodes Signup and view all the answers

What do horizontal branch lengths in a phylogenetic tree signify?

Relative amount of evolutionary change over time Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by symplesiomorphic traits in evolutionary studies?

Shared ancestral characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which method calculates genetic distance between pairs to construct a phylogenetic tree?

Distance matrix method Signup and view all the answers

What do terminal nodes in a phylogenetic tree represent?

Actual species or taxa being studied Signup and view all the answers

How do cladistics contribute to constructing phylogenetic trees?

By focusing on shared derived characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the typological species concept and the biological species concept?

Typological species concept classifies organisms based on physical similarities, while biological species concept defines species based on their potential to interbreed. Signup and view all the answers

How does macroevolution differ from microevolution?

Macroevolution is large-scale changes over time resulting in new species (speciation), whereas microevolution is a change over generations in the frequency of one or more alleles in the population. Signup and view all the answers

What concept best explains the observed increase in beak depth in medium ground finches during the drought?

Directional selection, where environmental changes favor traits such as deeper beaks. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a key tenet of cladistics?

Cladistics relies on shared derived traits to infer evolutionary relationships among organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Why is natural selection considered to have no 'finish line' in the evolutionary process?

The environment constantly changes, resulting in ongoing selection pressures on populations. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can selective pressures influence behavioral traits in species, based on evolutionary anthropology?

Selective pressures can lead to the development of behavioral traits that confer survival advantages. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of constructing phylogenetic trees?

Phylogenetic trees display the evolutionary history based on shared characteristics among species. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding instinctual behaviors in humans is accurate?

Humans exhibit few instinctual behaviors, as their behavior is mainly influenced by their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What do evolutionary anthropologists study?

The evolution of human behaviors and cultures Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary research disciplines in evolutionary anthropology?

Paleoanthropology Signup and view all the answers

How do evolutionary anthropologists conduct their research?

They conduct descriptive, casual, and applied research. Signup and view all the answers

Who created the taxonomic system and binomial nomenclature?

Carl Linnaeus Signup and view all the answers

Who proposed the idea of "soft inheritance"?

Lamarck Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for catastrophism?

Georges Cuvier Signup and view all the answers

What is catastrophism?

The theory that Earth's features are largely formed by sudden and violent events. Signup and view all the answers

According to catastrophism, these sudden events caused the mass extinction of species.

True Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for uniformitarianism?

Charles Lyell Signup and view all the answers

What is uniformitarianism?

The principle that geological processes occurring today are the same as those that occurred in the past. Signup and view all the answers

Uniformitarianism supports catastrophism.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who created the theory of natural selection?

Charles Darwin Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 main components of Darwin's theory? They are: [blank], [blank], and [blank].

<ol> <li>the ability of a population to expand is infinite, but the environment's ability to sustain that population is finite.</li> <li>organisms within the population vary, and this variation affects the ability of individuals to survive and reproduce.</li> <li>This variation is transmitted from parent to offspring.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does microevolution mean?

Changes in allele frequencies within a population over time Signup and view all the answers

What is mitosis?

The process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells Signup and view all the answers

What are the common causes of mutations? (Select all that apply)

Radiation exposure Signup and view all the answers

There are 2 types of mutation: [blank] and [blank]

somatic cell mutation and germ cell mutation Signup and view all the answers

What is population genetics?

The study of genetic variation within populations Signup and view all the answers

What are the key concepts in population genetics? (Select all that apply)

The key concepts include gene pool, allele frequencies, Hardy-Weinburg Equilibrium, mutation, genetic drift, natural selection, and gene flow. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms to the correct definition.

Allele frequencies = The proportion of different versions (alleles) of a gene in a population. These frequencies change due to evolutionary forces. Hardy-Weinburg Equilibrium = A theoretical state in which allele and genotype frequencies remain constant in a population over generations in the absence of evolutionary influences. Gene pool = The collection of all genetic material in a population, including all alleles (variations of a gene) Gene Flow = The transfer of alleles from one population to another through migration, influencing the genetic diversity within a population. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 2 important outcomes of gene flow? Select all that apply.

reduces between-population genetic variation Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary properties of fitness in evolutionary anthropology?

Reproductive success and average contribution of alleles to succeeding generations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three modes of selection? Select all that apply.

Directional selection Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms to the correct definition.

<h1>Directional Selection = This process favours either higher or lower values of character. Increases variation betewen populations exposed to different environments. Stabilizing Selection = Average phenotypes is fittest. Reduces variation within populations. Disruptive Selection = Both extremes of trait are favoured.</h1> Signup and view all the answers

Natural selection and biological evolution is the same.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of species concepts? (Select all that apply)

Biological species concept Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms to the correct definition.

<h1>Typological species concept = classifies organisms based on similarities in appearence Biological species concept = defines species as actually or potentially interbreeding populations that are reproductively isolated from other groups. Phylogenetic species concept = the smallest diagnosable group of organisms eith unique character states, which can be applied to both living and fossil species</h1> Signup and view all the answers

The 2 models of allopatric speciaition are [blank] and [blank]

vicariant speciaion and peripatric speciation Signup and view all the answers

Match the term to the correct definition.

<h1>Vicariant speciation = large populations are split by physical barriers peripatric speciation = small, isolated population diverge from the main population.</h1> = Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 actions that modern evolutionary synthesis combines?

Natural selection, gene flow, random mutation, genetic drift Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms to the correct definition.

<h1>Evolutionary radiations = rapid diversification of a lineage into multiple forms, often in response to new environments or niches phyletic gradualism = evolution occurs at a constant rate, with new species arising gradually from ancestral species punctuated equilibrium = species remain in morphologically stable for long periods, with rapid speciaiton events occurring in between</h1> Signup and view all the answers

Which trait allows primates to grasp objects with precision?

Opposable big toe or thumb Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the postorbital bar in primates?

It protects their eyes. Signup and view all the answers

How does the olfactory system of primates compare to other mammals?

It is less developed. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of primates is indicated by having a large brain relative to body size?

Enhanced cognitive abilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature protects the inner ear in primates?

Petrosally formed auditory bulla Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered life history traits of primates? (Select all that apply)

High parental investment Signup and view all the answers

What is KAY'S Threshold?

Primates smaller than 500g tend to eat insects and gums while those larger than 500g eat fruits and leaves. Signup and view all the answers

What type of environments do primates inhabit?

Tropical rainforests Signup and view all the answers

Match the term to the correct definition.

<h1>Daily path length = distance travelled in a day home range = the area regularly used by a primate group territory = exclusiver area defended by a primate group</h1> Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages of primates living in groups? (Select all that apply)

Increased protection from predators Signup and view all the answers

What are the disadvantages of primates living in groups?

Increased competition for food and resources Signup and view all the answers

What are the main differences between Strepsirhines and Haplorhines?

Strepsirrhines have a dental comb, moist noses, and are mostly nocturnal, while Haplorhines have dry noses, better visual acquity (due to retinal fovea), and closed orbits (post-orbital bar closure). Signup and view all the answers

The main features of new world monkeys include [blank].

prehensile tails (some), arboreal lifestyle, parietal bone meets the zygomatic bone, broad nostrils, and their tympanic ring is fused to their auditory bulla. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main features of old world monkeys? One main feature is that they have [blank].

they have narrow, downward-facing nostrils, non-prehensile tails, tympanic tube, dental formula = 2.1.2.3, and their parietal bone does not meet their zygomatic bone. Signup and view all the answers

What are the planes of reference in human anatomy?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is Frankfurt Horizontal?

An anatomical reference plane used in anthropology and dental practice. Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms 'porion' and 'orbitale' refer to in anatomical measurements?

The highest point of the ear and the lowest point of the eye socket Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms to the correct definition.

Superior = Above or closer to the head relative to another part of the body Inferior = Below or toward the lower part of the body relative to another body part. Proximal = A position closer to the point of attachment (usually the center of the body/trunk) Distal = A point that is farther away from the point of attachment or origin of a structure. Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms to the correct definition.

<h1>Anterior = Refers to something that is towards the front of the body Ventral = a term often use interchangeably with anterior in humans, but particularly used to describe quadrupedal animals. It refers to the belly side of the body. posterior = refers to the back or rear side of the body</h1> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms to the correct definition.

Medial = Refers to a position towards the midline of the body Lateral = Refers to a position away from the midline of the body External = Refers to structures that are located on the outer side or surface of the body Internal = Refers to positions or locations within the body, particularly in relation to other structures. Signup and view all the answers

What do terminal nodes represent in a decision tree?

it represents the actual species or taxa being studied Signup and view all the answers

What is the distance matrix method used for?

Calculating the genetic distance between pairs of species and use these distances to build a tree Signup and view all the answers

What does symplesiomorphic mean?

A trait shared by a group of organisms, inherited from a common ancestor. Also known as ancestral or primitive traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is synapomorphic?

Refers to a type of character state in evolutionary biology that is a derived trait shared by two or more groups (clades) that have a more recent common ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics do Tarsiers share with Strepsirrhines?

Nocturnal behavior and grooming claws Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics do Tarsiers share with Haplorrhines?

Fused frontal bone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anatomical Terminology

Medial: Refers to a position closer to the midline of the body. For example, the nose is medial to the eyes.
Lateral: Refers to a position away from the midline of the body. For example, the arms are lateral to the chest.
External: Refers to structures located on the outer side or surface of the body.
Internal: Refers to positions or locations within the body, particularly relative to other structures.
Dentition: The arrangement of teeth in the mouth.

Adult Human Dental Formula

The adult human dental formula for each quadrant of the mouth is 2.1.2.3.
2 represents incisors, 1 represents canine, 2 represents premolars, and 3 represents molars.

Phylogenetic Trees

Internal Nodes: Represent hypothetical common ancestors and speciation events.
Terminal Nodes: Represent the actual species or taxa being studied.
Clades: Groups of organisms that include an ancestor and all its descendants.
Branch Lengths: Reflect the relative amount of evolutionary change over time, such as the acquisition of derived traits.

What are Phylogenetic Trees?

Graphical representations that illustrate the evolutionary relationships among biological species or entities based on their evolutionary history.

Constructing Phylogenetic Trees

Can be done using various methods, including:
- Cladistics: Focuses on shared derived characteristics (synapomorphies) to classify organisms and determine evolutionary relationships.
- Distance Matrix Method: Calculates genetic distance between pairs of species and uses these distances to build the tree.

Primate Morphology/Taxonomy

Symplesiomorphic (Plesiomorphic): Shared ancestral characteristics that indicate common ancestry but may not provide precise information about relationships among closely related groups.
Sociobiology: The study of animal behavior based on the assumption that genes control behavior.

Misconceptions About Natural Selection and Adaptation

There is no "perfect design" for any biological entity because the environment is always changing.
Natural selection and adaptation have no goal. There is no "finish line" for the evolutionary process.

Example of Natural Selection (Medium Ground Finches on Daphne Major)

During the 1975-1978 drought, finches with deeper beaks were more likely to survive because they could process the larger seeds available.
This led to an increase in the average beak depth in the population, demonstrating directional selection.
Deeper beaks come with developmental disadvantages, suggesting a balance between advantages and disadvantages.

Macroevolution and Evolutionary Anthropology

Macroevolution: Refers to large-scale evolutionary changes, such as speciation and the formation of new taxonomic groups.
Species Concept:
- Typological Species Concept: Classifies organisms based on similarities in appearance.
- Biological Species Concept: Defines species as actually or potentially interbreeding populations that are reproductively isolated from other groups.
- Vicariant Speciation: Populations are separated by a geographic barrier.
- Peripatric Speciation: A small group splits off from the main population.

Phyletic Gradualism vs. Punctuated Equilibrium

Phyletic Gradualism: Evolution occurs at a constant, gradual rate.
Punctuated Equilibrium: Species remain stable for long periods, with rapid bursts of change during speciation events.

Homologous vs. Analogous Traits in Cladistics

Homologous Traits: Inherited from a common ancestor; useful for determining evolutionary relationships.
Analogous Traits: Arise from convergent evolution (similar adaptations in different lineages); not used in phylogenetic reconstruction.

Modern Evolutionary Synthesis

The four mechanisms of evolutionary change are:
- Random Mutation
- Natural Selection
- Genetic Drift
- Gene Flow

Introduction to Primates

Primates are a diverse order with variation in diet, social organization, and activity pattern.
Why are anthropologists interested in primates? Studying primates helps us study human evolution due to homology (common ancestry). Humans and nonhuman primates share morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits.

Geographic Distribution of Primates

Living Primates: Found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Fossil Primates: Had a broader distribution.

Primate Taxonomy and Traits

Primates differ from other mammals based on these traits:
- Opposable big toe or thumb: Excellent grasping ability
- Flat nails (instead of claws): On at least one digit.
- Reduced olfactory system: Enhanced stereoscopic vision
- Large brain relative to body size:
- Postorbital bar: Bony structure around the eye for protection
- Petrosally formed auditory bulla: Bone that encloses the inner ear.

Primate Traits

Primates are a diverse group of mammals with unique characteristics.
Opposable thumb or big toe: Allows primates to grasp objects with precision.
Flat nails: Found on at least one digit, replacing sharp claws common in other mammals.
Reduced olfactory system: This suggests a diminished sense of smell compared to other mammals.
Enhanced stereoscopic vision: Primates have excellent depth perception, essential for navigating their environment.
Large brain relative to body size: This is a defining feature of primates, associated with advanced cognitive abilities.
Postorbital bar: A bony structure that protects their eyes.
Petrosally formed auditory bulla: A bone that encloses the inner ear.

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