Biology Chapter on Cells and Evolution

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Questions and Answers

What term describes two identical alleles at a specific genetic location?

Homozygous Condition (correct)

Phenotype

Heterozygous Condition

Genotype

Which of the following best defines a genotype?

The complete genetic make-up of an individual (correct)

The physical and observable characteristics of an organism

The specific version of a gene

The interaction of genes with the environment

In which type of selection does the population shift consistently towards a specific trait?

Mimetic Selection

Stabilizing Selection

Disruptive Selection

Directional Selection (correct)

What does the Hardy-Weinberg model primarily assume?

Random mating occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenotype of an organism influenced by?

Environmental interactions Signup and view all the answers

In co-dominance, how do the alleles express their traits?

Both alleles express simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

Which formula represents the frequency of the heterozygous genotype in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

2pq Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when closely related species exhibit similar ecological roles?

Phylogenetic niche conservatism Signup and view all the answers

Which type of competition occurs between members of the same species?

Intraspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome when two species compete for the same niche?

One species may drive the other to extinction Signup and view all the answers

In which type of mutualism do species rely on each other for survival?

Obligate mutualism Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the division of resources that enables similar species to coexist?

Resource partitioning Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is likely to reduce population fitness due to increased genetic homozygosity?

Inbreeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of genetic variation in populations?

Mutation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of selection specifically favors extreme phenotypes?

Disruptive Selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the Biological Species Concept?

Species are defined by the inability to breed in natural environments. Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism can potentially lead to speciation by preventing gene flow between populations?

Reproductive Isolation Signup and view all the answers

In what type of selection is reproductive investment a driving factor?

Sexual Selection Signup and view all the answers

Which isolation mechanism occurs after fertilization and prevents offspring from reproducing?

Postzygotic Isolation Signup and view all the answers

Which concept defines species based on physical characteristics as evaluated by experts?

Morphological Species Concept Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of genetic drift in populations?

It leads to allele fixation or loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key adaptations that characterize all primates?

Highly developed stereoscopic vision Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is specific to apes that aids in their movement through trees?

More mobile arm joints Signup and view all the answers

What defines hominins in relation to other primates?

Walking upright more than other apes Signup and view all the answers

When did modern humans, Homo sapiens, first evolve according to the notes?

Approximately 200,000 years ago Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a complex foraging strategy of human ancestors?

Utilizing advanced agriculture techniques Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of social and cognitive evolution was highlighted as important for survival?

Importance of social skills Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of brain and body size is mentioned in relation to dolphins?

Brain and body size are not always directly correlated Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of tool use is suggested to have evolved among apes?

Usage of arms for other tasks beyond climbing Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hominin evolution, what does 'radiation' refer to?

Emerging and competing species over time Signup and view all the answers

What best describes habitat bias in the fossil record?

Certain climates facilitate fossilization more than others. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dietary strategies was NOT mentioned as part of early human foraging?

Hunting large mammals exclusively Signup and view all the answers

Which process is characterized by a single lineage producing multiple descendant species?

Adaptive radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which bias indicates that commonly found organisms have a higher chance of fossilization?

Abundance bias Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why recent organisms are more likely to be found in the fossil record?

Geological processes favor recent layers of rock. Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement has significantly improved our understanding of evolutionary history?

Molecular information and computer technologies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a form of fossil mentioned?

Mold fossils Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in constructing a timeline of life's history?

The complexity of using molecular clocks. Signup and view all the answers

Which domains of life are most closely related based on genetic evidence?

Eukarya and Archaea Signup and view all the answers

What accounts for the variability in fossil preservation based on taxonomic bias?

Hard structures are favored over soft structures in fossilization. Signup and view all the answers

How do mass extinctions occur?

They can result from cosmic impacts or environmental changes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

All living organisms are composed of cells
Cells are highly organized membrane-bounded compartments
Genetic information is stored in DNA
Proteins are constructed from amino acids
Cells come from pre-existing cells, not spontaneous generation

Experimental Design Principles

Use comparative group methodology
Minimize variables
Ensure experimental integrity
Conduct multiple independent replicates
Randomize experimental units
Minimize systematic bias
Statements must be logically equivalent
Accurate, analytical thinking required

Natural Selection

Species change over time through systematic mechanisms
Foundational principles of evolutionary theory
Evidence supporting species transformation
Mechanism of natural selection
Different adaptation models
Genetic variation drives evolutionary change

Evidence of Evolutionary Change

Fossil record: extinct species, transitional forms, historical snapshots
Extinction and transitional forms: gradual modification, not sudden replacement
Vestigial traits: remnants with no current function, historical adaptations
Direct observation of evolution: ground finches, tuberculosis bacteria, E. Coli
Species relationships: geographic proximity, genetic similarities, developmental patterns
Genetic, developmental, and structural homology
Darwin's four logical steps: individual trait variation, trait heritability, differential reproductive success, non-random selection
Non-random selection based on traits: fitness concept encompassing survival, growth, and reproduction potential
Alternative evolution theories: inheritance of acquired characteristics (Lamarckian), Goal-Directed Evolution

Evolutionary Processes

Genetic variations emerge and transform across generations
Understanding how genetic information changes over time
Processes of how genetic variations arise, spread, and influence species
Vocabulary: locus, allele, genotype, phenotype
Allele interactions: homozygous and heterozygous conditions, dominance types
Hardy-Weinberg distribution: a genetic equilibrium model (random mating, large population size, no mutation, no natural selection, no migration)
Natural Selection Mechanisms: directional, stabilizing, disruptive
Evolutionary influences: frequency-dependent interactions, genetic drift, gene flow, natural mutations, reproductive strategies (inbreeding), sexual selection

Speciation

Fundamental exploration of how life's ancestor diversified into more than 10 million species
Defining species: biological species concept, morphological species concept, ecological species concept, phylogenetic species concept
Speciation pathways: allopatric (geographical separation), sympatric (same area)
Species concepts: understanding how species are defined, mechanisms of species formation, how populations diverge, becoming new species

Phylogeny

Understanding evolutionary relationships (phylogeny)
Phylogenetic trees: how different organisms are related, nodes, branches, tips
Monophyletic groups: groups of organisms defined by single common ancestor
Challenges in phylogenetic reconstruction: convergent evolution, secondary loss, analogies
History of life: domains of life (bacteria, archaea, eukarya), fossil record considerations, diversification processes

Adaptive Radiation

Single lineage producing multiple descendant species
Mass extinctions: significant events driven by cosmic impacts, human activities (over-harvesting, land use changes, climate change, species introductions, and pollution)
Convergent evolution: independent evolution of similar traits
Secondary loss: characteristic that ancestors had, but subsequently lost
Analogies: traits or structures that are similar, but not evolutionarily related

Origins/Human Evolution

Human characteristics: complex thoughts, developed culture, advanced technology, sophisticated language
Shared characteristics: genetic code, biochemical processes, reproduction, ongoing evolutionary processes
Context for evolution: adaptations build on existing traits, evolution isn't have predetermined direction, environmental changes drive adaptation
Physical driving forces: major physical changes (global climate shifts, continental movements, geological transformations)
Mammalian ancestral patterns: radiation and replacement of species
Modern human characteristics: smaller facial structure, rapid global expansion, outcompeting other human species
Foraging strategies: cooking, weapons, tool-making, selective harvesting of plants
Developmental characteristics: extended childhood, social skills, cooperative adaptation mechanisms
Brain and body size: brain development linked to sociality
Getting fed: feeding strategies of primates
Food and species adaptations

The Niche

Niche: a species' role in its habitat (physical habitat, ecological role)
Fundamental niche: full range of conditions and resources
Realized niche: narrower niche due to interactions with other species
Interactions with other species (competition, predation, herbivory, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism, facilitation)
Key types of interactions (competition, predation, herbivory, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism, and facilitation)

Communities

Community: all the different plant and animal populations in one area
Biodiversity: variety of life in an area (richness, evenness)
Species interactions: relationships between species that impact survival and distribution
Succession: predictable changes in community composition over time
Pioneer species: first species to colonize a new habitat

Ecology: Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Cycles

Short-term carbon cycle: photosynthesis, respiration
Long-term carbon cycle: geological processes
Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles: essential nutrients
Interactions with ecosystems and biodiversity

Adaptations and environmental influences on species

Environmental impacts on species (climate change, topography/geography, human interactions)
Strategies for dealing with environmental changes (migration, adaptation, extinction)
Species responses and impacts (plant flowering times shifting, geographic ranges modifying)

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of biology including the cell theory, principles of experimental design, and the mechanisms behind natural selection. This quiz will test your understanding of how organisms evolve and adapt over time, supported by various lines of evidence. Dive into the details of genetic variation and the fossil record to gain insights into evolutionary change.