Biology Chapter: Species and Genetics Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What defines a species according to the Biological Species Concept?

Species consist of organisms that share a common habitat.

Species are groups of interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups. (correct)

Species are based on genetic similarities alone.

Species are defined by physical characteristics.

Which of the following is NOT a pre-zygotic isolation mechanism?

Behavioral isolation

Mechanical isolation

Hybrid sterility (correct)

Temporal isolation

What is the abbreviation for the molecule that carries genetic information in most life forms?

RDA

VDNA

DNA (correct)

RNA

Which of the following nucleotides is NOT part of the genetic alphabet in DNA?

Uracil Signup and view all the answers

Which global condition during the Carboniferous most contributed to larger insect and amphibian sizes?

High levels of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the transcription of genetic information?

RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. Signup and view all the answers

Which level of protein organization consists of the unique sequence of amino acids?

Primary structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a post-zygotic isolation mechanism?

Hybrid inviability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct scientific name for Humans?

Homo sapiens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the species part of the scientific name is often not used alone?

Species names can be ambiguous without the genus. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about adaptations is true?

Adaptations frequently recycle existing structures. Signup and view all the answers

What are two major types of speciation discussed?

Allopatric and sympatric speciation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes hybridization between species?

It can produce fertile offspring in some cases. Signup and view all the answers

What is one constraint that limits the ability of selection to produce adaptations?

Limited genetic variation. Signup and view all the answers

How did snake venom genes likely evolve from genes with other functions?

Through a process of mutation and repurposing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest level of the hierarchical system used for classifying organisms?

Species Signup and view all the answers

Which group of taxa do modern biologists prefer to classify?

Monophyletic groups Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a branch in a phylogenetic tree?

Lineage diverging from a common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately represents a polyphyletic group?

A group comprised of members from different ancestors Signup and view all the answers

Which types of data are useful for testing hypotheses about the relationships of taxa?

Morphological, DNA and protein sequences Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes sister taxa in a phylogenetic tree?

They share a common ancestor that is not found in other groups Signup and view all the answers

How do modern biologists view the relationship between hippos and whales?

Hippos share a common ancestor with whales Signup and view all the answers

Which phylogenetic tree structure is preferred for representing evolutionary relationships?

A tree that minimizes the number of evolutionary changes Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a paraphyletic group in phylogenetic nomenclature?

Excludes the most recent common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to know the species names of turtles for conservation efforts?

To enforce legal protection measures Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between phylogenetic diversity and species diversity?

Phylogenetic diversity focuses on genetic distances, while species diversity counts the number of species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the international organization that maintains lists of endangered species?

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Signup and view all the answers

What makes the fauna of Hawaii, like the honeycreeper birds, particularly special?

They have evolved unique adaptations to their isolated environment. Signup and view all the answers

Why is conservation of turtles in Hawaii complicated?

Turtles face threats from habitat loss and invasive species. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are subjects of the study of biological evolution?

Changes in gene frequencies over time Signup and view all the answers

What two main components comprise Charles Darwin's hypothesis regarding evolution?

Descent with Modification and Natural Selection Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist is credited with the quote, 'Nothing in biology makes sense except in light of evolution'?

Theodosius Dobzhansky Signup and view all the answers

Which ship did Charles Darwin travel on during his influential voyage to develop his ideas on evolution?

HMS Beagle Signup and view all the answers

What must be true for evolution by natural selection to occur?

There must be variation, heritability, and relative fitness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'descent with modification' as proposed by Darwin?

The passing of traits from ancestors to descendants with changes over generations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best explains the relationship between a theory, a hypothesis, and a guess in scientific terms?

A theory is a strongly supported explanation, while a hypothesis is a testable prediction. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Alfred Russel Wallace often not as famous as Charles Darwin?

Darwin's publications gained more publicity and recognition. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Biological Species Concept

A species is defined as a group of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups.

Pre-zygotic Isolation Mechanisms

A pre-zygotic isolation mechanism prevents the formation of a zygote.

DNA

The abbreviation for the molecule that carries genetic information in most life forms is DNA.

Nucleotides in DNA

The nucleotide Uracil (U) is not part of the genetic alphabet in DNA.

Carboniferous Period

The high levels of oxygen in the atmosphere during the Carboniferous period most contributed to the larger insect and amphibian sizes.

Transcription

During transcription, the genetic information encoded in DNA is copied into a messenger RNA molecule (mRNA).

Protein Structure

The primary level of protein organization consists of the unique sequence of amino acids.

Post-zygotic Isolation Mechanisms

A post-zygotic isolation mechanism prevents the hybrid offspring from developing or reproducing.

Scientific Name

The correct scientific name for Humans is Homo sapiens.

Species Name

The species part of the scientific name is often not used alone because it can be ambiguous with other species in different genera.

Adaptations

Adaptations are traits that increase an organism's fitness in a particular environment.

Speciation

Two major types of speciation include allopatric speciation, where populations become geographically isolated, and sympatric speciation, where evolution occurs within the same geographic area.

Hybridization

Hybridization between species occurs when two species interbreed, often resulting in a hybrid offspring.

Constraints on Adaptation

One constraint that limits the ability of selection to produce adaptations is the lack of genetic variation within a population.

Snake Venom

Snake venom genes likely evolved from genes with other functions through a process called gene duplication and subsequent mutation.

Lowest Taxon Level

The lowest level of the hierarchical system used for classifying organisms is species.

Preferred Classification

Modern biologists prefer to classify organisms based on clades, which are groups of organisms that share a common ancestor.

Branch in Phylogenetic Tree

A branch in a phylogenetic tree represents a lineage splitting into two or more descendant lineages over time.

Polyphyletic Group

A polyphyletic group is a group of organisms that does not include all of the descendants of a common ancestor.

Data for Testing Relationships

Data useful for testing hypotheses about the relationships of taxa include morphological data, genetic data, and fossil data.

Sister Taxa

Sister taxa in a phylogenetic tree are two lineages that share a common ancestor and are each other's closest relatives.

Hippos and Whales

Modern biologists view the relationship between hippos and whales as close relatives, with whales originating from an aquatic ancestor of hippos.

Preferred Tree Structure

The cladogram is the preferred phylogenetic tree structure for representing evolutionary relationships.

Paraphyletic Group

A paraphyletic group in phylogenetic nomenclature is a group of organisms that includes some but not all of the descendants of a common ancestor.

Conservation Efforts

Knowing the species names of turtles is crucial for conservation efforts because it allows researchers to identify and track specific populations for management and protection purposes.

Phylogenetic Diversity

Phylogentic diversity encompasses the evolutionary history and relationships of organisms, while species diversity refers to the number and abundance of species in a given area.

International Organization for Endangered Species

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) maintains lists of endangered species.

Fauna of Hawaii

The fauna of Hawaii, like the honeycreeper birds, is particularly special because its unique evolutionary history has resulted in a high degree of endemism, meaning a large number of species found only in that location.

Conservation of Turtles in Hawaii

Conservation of turtles in Hawaii is complicated by various factors, including habitat loss, invasive species, and the impact of climate change.

Biological Evolution

Subjects of the study of biological evolution include patterns of change over time, mechanisms of change, and the diversity of life on Earth.

Charles Darwin's Hypothesis

The two main components of Charles Darwin's hypothesis regarding evolution include descent with modification and natural selection.

"Nothing in Biology Makes Sense..."

The quote, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in light of evolution," is credited to Theodosius Dobzhansky.

Ship of Darwin's Voyage

Charles Darwin traveled on the HMS Beagle during his influential voyage.

Evolution by Natural Selection

For evolution by natural selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, heritability of traits, and differential reproductive success based on those traits.

"Descent with Modification"

"Descent with modification" as proposed by Darwin signifies that species evolve from ancestral species, with modifications accumulating over time.

Theory, Hypothesis, and Guess

A theory in science is a well-supported explanation for a phenomenon, a hypothesis is a testable prediction, and a guess is a speculation without evidence or testing.

Alfred Russel Wallace

Alfred Russel Wallace is often not as famous as Charles Darwin because Darwin published his ideas first and had a more extensive body of work supporting his theory.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in biology, focusing on species definition according to the Biological Species Concept, isolation mechanisms, and genetic information. This quiz also covers aspects of transcription, protein organization, and speciation types. Perfect for students preparing for exams or needing a refresher in biology.