Biology Chapter 11: Evolution and Its Processes
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Questions and Answers

What type of fossil evidence shows intermediate anatomy between earlier and later forms of horses?

  • Ancestral fossils
  • Transitional sequences
  • Exponential fossils
  • Transitional fossils (correct)
  • Which genus is known as the first horse-like species identified in the fossil record?

  • Eohippus (correct)
  • Hipparion
  • Equus
  • Mesohippus
  • What significant environmental change influenced the evolution of horse anatomy?

  • Expansion of aquatic habitats
  • Cooling climate patterns
  • Increased forest density
  • Drying trends of the landscape (correct)
  • Which of the following species is noted for demonstrating gains in size during the evolutionary history of horses?

    <p>Hipparion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evidence supports the idea that different species share a common ancestor based on structural similarities?

    <p>Morphological traits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is NOT part of the shared basic form among the appendages of different species?

    <p>Clavicle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon is reflected in the fossil record regarding the horse lineage?

    <p>Adaptive radiation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following modern species is considered a representation of the existing horse lineage?

    <p>Przewalski's horse (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the theory of evolution in biology?

    <p>It provides a framework for understanding the diversity of life. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does evolution impact the perception of species over generations?

    <p>Living organisms continuously evolve from one another. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes ongoing evolution?

    <p>Evolution is an active and continual process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'common ancestor' in the context of evolution?

    <p>An organism that is the direct predecessor of all current species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is quoted as emphasizing the importance of evolution in understanding biology?

    <p>Theodosius Dobzhansky (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolutionary change?

    <p>Artificial manipulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can evolution provide direction for biological predictions?

    <p>By framing hypotheses based on shared ancestry. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'diversity of life' refer to in an evolutionary context?

    <p>The variety of current living organisms resulting from evolutionary change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Darwin's view of evolution compare to previous beliefs about species?

    <p>Darwin proposed that species change over time through natural selection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the key contribution of James Hutton to the understanding of geological change?

    <p>He argued that geological change occurs gradually over long periods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do differences in allele frequencies between two populations indicate?

    <p>Both populations may evolve due to migration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the Hardy-Weinberg principle in studying populations?

    <p>To provide a baseline expectation for allele frequencies in non-evolving populations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism for evolutionary change was proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck?

    <p>Inheritance of acquired characteristics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Charles Lyell influence Darwin's thinking?

    <p>By arguing for gradual change in species analogous to geological change. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a mechanism of sexual selection?

    <p>Intrasexual competition between males. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a common belief about species prior to Darwin's theory?

    <p>Species have existed in their present form since creation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen when male traits are enhanced due to sexual selection?

    <p>They may become more appealing to predators. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes intersexual selection?

    <p>Selection based on a mate's characteristics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Lamarck's theory was later discredited?

    <p>Inheritance of acquired characteristics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the prevailing view of geological changes before Hutton's theory?

    <p>Geological changes are primarily caused by catastrophic events. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean if allele frequencies deviate from Hardy-Weinberg expectations?

    <p>Some evolutionary force is acting on the population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the evolution of evolutionary theory leading up to Darwin?

    <p>Early thinkers had conflicting views on species change and extinction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what form can male-male competition manifest?

    <p>In displays of strength or ritualized conflict. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can sexual selection lead to the persistence of traits that seem maladaptive?

    <p>It enhances reproductive success despite survival disadvantages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is divergent evolution?

    <p>The process where two species evolve in opposite directions from a common ancestor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are analogous structures?

    <p>Structures that have evolved independently in different species but serve similar functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the wings of bats and insects differ from those of hummingbirds and ostriches?

    <p>Bats and insects evolved wings independently, while hummingbirds and ostriches share a common ancestor for their wings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the lack of understanding of genetics a hindrance for Darwin and Wallace?

    <p>It hindered the comprehension of how natural selection might function. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of evolution does a species exhibit if it adapts similar traits independently to serve similar functions?

    <p>Convergent evolution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the evolutionary lineage of the wings of a hummingbird differ from that of an ostrich?

    <p>They evolved from a common ancestor rather than developing independently. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What hindered the explanation of natural selection before Mendel's work was recognized?

    <p>The existence of blending inheritance theory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the evolutionary relationship of flowering plants as mentioned?

    <p>They exhibit both divergent and convergent evolutionary traits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium principle state about allele frequencies in a population?

    <p>Allele frequencies remain constant unless evolutionary forces act on the population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered an evolutionary force that disrupts the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

    <p>Chromosome segregation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does nonrandom mating affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

    <p>It only shifts genotype frequencies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of mutation on allele frequency in a population?

    <p>It creates new alleles and can increase their frequency gradually. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor can cause random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations?

    <p>Genetic drift (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do some genetic diseases remain in the human population at very low frequencies?

    <p>There is a balance between mutation rates and natural selection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between allele frequencies and genotype frequencies?

    <p>Changes in allele frequencies can influence genotype frequencies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which of the following correctly describes the role of dominant alleles?

    <p>They do not influence the equilibrium directly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Evolution

    The process where species characteristics change and new ones arise.

    Theory of Evolution

    A unifying biological theory used by scientists to study living things.

    Unifying theory of biology

    A theory used by biologists to study living organisms.

    Species

    A group of organisms with common characteristics which can interbreed.

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    Common ancestor

    The shared ancestor from which multiple species evolved.

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    Ongoing.

    Something that continues with no end.

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    Evolutionary Change

    Mechanisms and processes that shapes diversification of life.

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    Theodosius Dobzhansky

    Ukrainian-born American geneticist.

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    Early views on species

    Before Darwin, general belief held species as unchanging, rooted in Plato's writings. However, evolutionary ideas existed in ancient Greece and were expanded upon in the 18th century.

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    Darwin's theory

    Darwin's theory of evolution proposed a mechanism for species change over time, contrasting with the prevailing view at the time.

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    Hutton's geological ideas

    The Scottish naturalist, Hutton, proposed that geological changes occur gradually over long periods via ongoing processes, challenging the idea of catastrophic events.

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    Lyell's influence on Darwin

    Lyell's geological ideas influenced Darwin by arguing that Earth's age allows more time for species change, providing an analogy for gradual change in species.

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    Lamarck's evolutionary mechanism

    Lamarck proposed inheritance of acquired characteristics. Changes due to environment or use/disuse of traits during an organism's lifetime could be inherited by offspring.

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    Inheritance of acquired characteristics

    A theory proposed by Lamarck suggesting that changes in an organism during its lifetime due to the environment or use/disuse of structures, could be passed down to its offspring.

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    Population genetics

    The study of how populations evolve using genetic principles (not provided in detail).

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    Evolutionary Thought Development

    Evolutionary ideas emerged gradually from the ancient past - progressing to Hutton's emphasis on gradual change, Lyell's support, and Lamarck's specific mechanism. These concepts were precursors to Darwin's later theory.

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    Divergent Evolution

    When two species evolve in different directions from a common ancestor.

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    Analogous Structures

    Structures that have similar functions and appearances in different species but evolved independently.

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    Homologous Structures

    Structures that share similarities due to descent from a common ancestor, even if they have different functions.

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    Convergent Evolution

    When unrelated species evolve similar traits due to adapting to similar environments.

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    Blending Inheritance

    An outdated theory that incorrectly claimed traits mix completely during inheritance.

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    What's the difference between analogous and homologous structures?

    Analogous structures are similar because of convergent evolution (independent evolution), whereas homologous structures share similarities due to common ancestry.

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    Why was blending inheritance a problem for Darwin's theory?

    It suggested that variation would be lost across generations, making it hard for natural selection to act on traits.

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    What was the missing piece in Darwin's theory?

    A deeper understanding of heredity or genetics, which was later provided by Gregor Mendel's work.

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    Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

    A state where allele and genotype frequencies in a population remain stable across generations, assuming no evolutionary forces are acting on the population.

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    Evolutionary Forces

    Factors that disrupt the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium causing changes in allele or genotype frequencies within a population.

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    What are the major evolutionary forces?

    The four most important evolutionary forces are: natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, and migration. A fifth factor, nonrandom mating, also disrupts the equilibrium, but only by impacting genotype frequencies, not allele frequencies unless it influences reproductive potential.

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    Natural Selection

    The process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, passing these traits on to their offspring. This leads to a gradual change in the population's gene pool.

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    Mutation

    A change in the DNA sequence of an organism. This change can create a new allele and thus increase or decrease its frequency in a population.

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    Genetic Drift

    Random fluctuations in allele frequencies, especially significant in smaller populations. This can cause loss or fixation of alleles.

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    Migration

    The movement of individuals into or out of a population, which can introduce or remove alleles, altering allele frequencies.

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    Nonrandom Mating

    When individuals choose mates based on specific phenotypes rather than randomly. This affects genotype frequencies but not necessarily allele frequencies unless phenotype influences reproduction.

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    What is the importance of the Hardy-Weinberg Principle?

    It provides a baseline for comparing allele frequencies in real populations, helping scientists identify and study the evolutionary forces at play.

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    Sexual Selection

    A special form of natural selection that favors traits that enhance an individual's chances of mating and producing offspring.

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    Intrasexual Selection

    Competition between members of the same sex (usually males) for access to mates.

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    Intersexual Selection

    One sex (usually females) chooses mates based on specific traits, leading to the evolution of those preferred traits.

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    Male-Male Competition

    Direct competition between males for resources, territory, or access to females, often leading to ritualized fights or dominance displays.

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    Why is sexual selection often limited?

    The evolution of traits favored through sexual selection can be constrained by natural selection if they negatively impact survival, creating a balance between mating success and survival.

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    Fossil Record

    The collection of preserved remains and traces of past organisms found in layers of rock, providing evidence of evolutionary change.

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    Transition Fossils

    Fossils showing intermediate anatomy between earlier and later forms, demonstrating the evolutionary stages between species.

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    Adaptive Radiation

    The rapid evolution of new species from a common ancestor into many diverse forms, often driven by environmental change.

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    Gradualism

    The theory that evolutionary change occurs slowly and continuously over long periods, driven by natural selection.

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    What does the fossil record tell us about evolution?

    The fossil record shows how species have changed over time through transitional fossils, displaying evolutionary relationships and adaptive radiations, providing evidence of the evolutionary process.

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    Study Notes

    Chapter 11: Evolution and Its Processes

    • Evolution is a continuous process, still occurring today
    • Earth's biodiversity is a result of evolution
    • All life on Earth evolved from a common ancestor
    • Evolutionary processes are ongoing
    • The characteristics of species change through time
    • New species arise through evolutionary change

    11.1 Discovering How Populations Change

    • Darwin's theory of evolution differed from the contemporary view of static species
    • Modern evolutionary theory was developed through combining Darwin's ideas with genetic concepts
    • Population genetics is used to study how allele frequencies change within populations

    Mechanisms of Evolution

    • Natural selection is a mechanism for evolutionary change
      • Traits are inherited
      • More offspring are produced than can survive
      • The offspring vary genetically
    • Mutation introduces genetic variation (new alleles)
    • Genetic drift is random change in allele frequencies, more noticeable in smaller populations
    • Gene flow (migration) also changes allele frequencies within populations

    11.3 Evidence of Evolution

    • Fossils provide evidence of past life and evolutionary change
    • Homologous structures share a common origin (different functions)
    • Vestigial structures are remnants of structures with ancestral functions (no current function)
    • Embryological similarities suggest common ancestry
    • Darwin's observations of the Galapagos finches (different beak shapes adapted to different food sources) provided critical support for natural selection

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    Description

    Explore the intricate processes of evolution in Chapter 11. This chapter discusses Darwin's theory, the role of natural selection, and how populations change over time. Gain insights into the mechanisms that drive species evolution and contribute to Earth's biodiversity.

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