Biodiversity and Evolution

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What is the primary mechanism that drives the evolution of species according to Darwin?

Mutation

Genetic drift

Gene flow

Natural selection (correct)

What is the role of the environment in the process of natural selection?

Filtering changes and variations in traits (correct)

Increasing the mutation rate

Introducing new traits to a population

Determining the rate of genetic drift

What is the result of changes in the genetic code of an organism?

An increase in the mutation rate

A change in the characteristics and traits of the organism (correct)

A decrease in the population size

A loss of genetic information

What is the definition of evolution?

Any change in the inheritable traits within a population across generations Signup and view all the answers

Why do organisms possessing adaptive characteristics have a better chance to survive and reproduce?

Because they are better suited to their environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of favored traits being expressed in a population?

Unfavored traits becoming less common Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the themes stressed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in his work on organic evolution?

The adaptation of animals to environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution build upon?

Lamarck’s ideas on the relationship of environment and evolution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Linnaean classification system?

To provide a universal naming system for organisms Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key factors that made it probable for the 'organic movement' in animals, according to Lamarck?

The movement of bodies and their different parts Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key differences between Lamarck’s and Darwin’s theories of evolution?

Lamarck stressed the role of environment, while Darwin stressed natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic used to identify species according to the morphological species concept?

Measurable phenotypic traits Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which a single species rapidly diversifies into new forms in response to changes in the environment?

Adaptive radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why Darwin’s theory of evolution was groundbreaking?

It challenged the theory of special creation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key implications of understanding biodiversity and evolution?

It helps in understanding the structure and function of ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest taxonomic rank in the biological classification of living things?

Species Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic used to identify species according to the biological species concept?

Ability to interbreed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic used to identify species according to the polygenic species concept?

Unique genetic history Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

To break down dead organic matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the position an organism occupies in a food chain?

Trophic level Signup and view all the answers

What type of consumer is a grasshopper that feeds on leaves from a cornstalk?

Primary consumer Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a secondary consumer in a food chain?

Feeds on primary consumers Signup and view all the answers

What type of organism is a maya bird that feeds on a grasshopper?

Secondary consumer Signup and view all the answers

What determines the trophic level of a scavenger in a food chain?

What it consumes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of the formation of new species, according to the gradualism model?

Gradual accumulation of adaptations to the environment over time Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in periods of punctuated equilibrium, according to the theory?

Long periods of little change, followed by rapid changes through mutations Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for changes in the DNA that can be passed on to succeeding generations?

Mutation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of this chapter, according to the introduction?

The connection between living and nonliving things in an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate result of the gradual accumulation of adaptations to the environment, according to the gradualism model?

The formation of new species Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the environment in shaping the evolution and behavior of organisms, according to the chapter?

The environment plays a significant role in shaping the evolution and behavior of organisms Signup and view all the answers