Biology Chapter on Evolution and Genetics

Evolution and Mechanisms of Evolution

• Genetic diversity increase: Mutation is most likely to increase genetic diversity in a population.
• Artificial vs. Natural Selection: Artificial selection is guided by humans, while natural selection occurs without human intervention.
• Vestigial structure: A structure that has lost its original function over time.
• Directional selection: An increase in beak size in a bird population during drought is an example.

Genetics and Population Evolution

• Meiosis vs. Mitosis: Meiosis produces four non-identical daughter cells, mitosis results in two identical cells.
• Genotype: An organism's genetic makeup.
• Genetic drift: A random change in allele frequencies due to chance events, especially in small populations.

Ecology

• Keystone species: A species that has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.
• Survivorship curve: Depicts the percentage of a population that survives at different ages.
• R-selected species: Characterized by high reproduction rates and short lifespans.

Speciation and Phylogeny

• Sympatric speciation: Speciation that occurs without geographic isolation, often due to reproductive barriers.
• Cladogram node: Represents the common ancestor of the organisms depicted.

Behavioral Ecology

• Proximate vs. Ultimate causes: Proximate causes are immediate triggers of behavior; ultimate causes refer to evolutionary reasons.
• Learned behavior: An example is a dog learning to sit on command.

Plant Biology and Photosynthesis

• Plant adaptations to land: A waxy cuticle to prevent water loss.
• Primary growth: Growth through cell elongation in roots and stems.
• Chlorophyll's role in photosynthesis: Absorbs sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

True or False

• Sexual selection: True; it increases mating success.
• Fungi and autotrophy: False; Fungi are heterotrophic.
• Allopatric speciation: True; it results from physical barriers.