Questions and Answers
Which type of selection leads to increased phenotypic and genetic variation?
Which best illustrates a result of natural selection?
Giraffes having increasingly longer necks over time.
Darwin formulated his hypothesis on survival based on the work of which scholar?
Thomas Malthus, who studied population growth.
Why are the Miller-Urey experiments essential to the theory of evolution?
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In a cladogram, when does a group of organisms branch off?
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Which is an example of reproductive isolation?
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What are saber teeth for Thylacosmilus and Smilodon?
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Why are zebras and horses considered separate species?
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Which is the least supportive example of genetic variations affecting population changes?
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What will most likely happen to the population of light moths in the introduced bird habitat?
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What conclusion might Henry reach after studying the lizard populations?
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What did the molecular clock data show about clams and squid?
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What best defines a gene pool?
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The fossil record cannot lead to evolution.
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Which project would best show geographic isolation in action?
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How does biogeographic isolation allow for the change of gene pools over time?
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What can structural similarities between fossils be attributed to?
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What would be the best title for a paper about a separated deer population?
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What would likely happen to the color of the male cardinals if females use different criteria for mate selection?
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What information is Antonio considering regarding derived traits of spiders?
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Which of Darwin's main points is depicted in the image of two male oryx?
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What must occur for speciation to happen?
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Study Notes
Natural Selection and Evolutionary Processes
- Disruptive selection increases phenotypic and genetic variation in populations.
- Giraffes have evolved longer necks as a result of natural selection over time.
- Charles Darwin's hypothesis on survival advantages was influenced by Thomas Malthus, who studied population dynamics.
Organic Compounds and Cladistics
- The Miller-Urey experiments demonstrated the formation of organic molecules from early Earth conditions.
- In cladograms, new traits signal the branching of organisms from a common ancestor.
Speciation and Isolation
- Reproductive isolation can occur when populations, like salamanders in different lakes, cannot interbreed.
- Saber teeth in Thylacosmilus and Smilodon are analogous structures, not due to a common ancestor.
Population Genetics
- Horses and zebras are separate species because they produce infertile offspring (zorses).
- Genetic variation examples indicate that environmental changes affect populations, although human genetic changes are less supportive of this idea.
Environmental Impact on Populations
- Introduction of a bird that preys on moths will likely result in an increase in light moth populations due to selective pressures.
- Genetic drift significantly impacts small populations, as seen in the lizards studied by Henry after a hurricane.
Molecular Evolution and Gene Pools
- Molecular clocks indicated that clams and squid are more closely related than clams and snails, based on their separate evolutionary timelines.
- A gene pool is defined as the total set of genetic traits within a population at a specified time.
Fossil Records and Geographic Isolation
- The fossil record is descriptive but does not directly lead to evidence of evolution.
- Geographic isolation, such as a river separating penguin populations, demonstrates how species can adapt differently.
Changes in Gene Pools
- Biogeographic isolation can change gene pools as populations become separated.
- Similar structures between fossils of different habitats can indicate common ancestry.
Speciation Examples
- A paper on a deer population's adaptation due to canyon formation can be titled “Speciation by Geographic Isolation.”
- Female cardinals’ mate choice based on male feather color could lead to increased variation in feather colors as selection criteria change.
Classification Considerations
- Spiders are classified separately from insects due to having eight legs. This trait is considered derived.
- Competition among organisms within a population supports Darwin’s points on natural selection.
Requirements for Speciation
- Reproductive isolation is essential for the process of speciation to occur.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts of evolution with these flashcards. This quiz covers topics such as natural selection, disruptive selection, and Darwin's hypotheses. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of evolutionary biology.
