Biology Flashcards: Speciation and Polyploidy

Questions and Answers

What are the differences between autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy?

Autopolyploidy is when an individual has more than two sets of chromosomes all derived from an original species. Allopolyploidy is polyploids derived from different species.

How does adaptation affect speciation?

When a population becomes isolated, they go through natural selection and adapt. Without gene flow, this adaptation leads to speciation.

Explain the differences between no isolation mechanism, complete isolation mechanism, and intermediate isolation mechanism.

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Explain how gene flow influences species diversity.

When individuals or their gametes move from one population to another, this introduces new genes into a population, creating more diversity. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the differences between a haploid, diploid, and polyploid and explain how they influence gamete production.

Haploid has one set of chromosomes; diploid has two sets; polyploid has many sets. These influence gamete production because chromosomes make up DNA, which constitutes the genetic code. Signup and view all the answers

Clearly define the following terms: homeosis, homoplasy, syngamy, synteny, pseudogene, heterochrony, gene family, horizontal gene transfer, transcription factor, evolution.

Homeosis: takes a functioning gene and puts it somewhere else. Homoplasy: a character shared by a set of species but not present in their common ancestor. Syngamy: fusion of two cells. Synteny: indicates that two or more genomic regions come from a single ancestral region. Heterochrony: speed of development. Pseudogene: a non-functional gene similar to a real gene. Gene family: genes formed by duplication of the original gene. Horizontal gene transfer: gene transfer from another species. Transcription factor: controls transcription rate. Evolution: gradual process leading to favorable genes becoming more common. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how allopatric populations differ from sympatric ones.

Sympatric populations co-occur in the same geographic area, while allopatric populations occur outside the range of other species. Signup and view all the answers

What three conditions must be met in order for natural selection to occur? Describe and explain each.

<ol> <li>Phenotypic variation: natural selection works by favoring some traits over others. 2) Variation must result in differences in offspring survival: traits must impact reproductive success. 3) Phenotypic variation must have a genetic basis: so that evolutionary changes can occur.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

List some of the advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction.

Advantages: large numbers of offspring quickly produced, no mate is required, populations may survive from predators. Disadvantages: competition for resources among close offspring and unfavorable conditions can wipe out entire colonies. Signup and view all the answers

List some of the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction.

Advantages: more genetic variation among species, offspring differ from parents. Disadvantages: slower reproductive rate, less reliable reproduction, requires time and energy to find a mate. Signup and view all the answers

Define what an isolating mechanism is, and provide a few examples.

An isolating mechanism is a reproductive characteristic that prevents species from fusing. Examples include ecological isolation, behavioral isolation, temporal isolation, and mechanical isolation. Signup and view all the answers

Provide a brief explanation of adaptive radiation.

Adaptive radiation occurs when closely related species evolve from a common ancestor to adapt to different environments. Signup and view all the answers

What are the laws of energy?

The first law is the Law of Conservation of Energy. The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of any isolated system always increases. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs.

An autotroph is a primary producer yielding organic matter from radiant energy. A heterotroph is a secondary producer that yields organic matter from consuming primary producers. Signup and view all the answers

Name and describe the five agents of evolutionary change.

<ol> <li>Mutation: leads to changed allele frequency. 2) Gene flow: introduces new alleles into different environments. 3) Nonrandom mating: partners choose based on phenotypic similarities. 4) Genetic drift: redistributes allele ratios in populations. 5) Natural selection: traits that enhance survival become more common.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is convergent evolution?

Convergent evolution is the process where organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar traits due to adapting to comparable environments. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between active and passive transport.

Passive transport doesn't require energy and moves molecules with the concentration gradient (high to low). Active transport requires energy and moves molecules against the concentration gradient (low to high). Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between genetic drift and gene flow?

Genetic drift redistributes allele ratios as certain alleles repopulate small populations. Gene flow introduces alleles into different environments, increasing their frequency over time if they persist. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the bottleneck effect.

The bottleneck effect is a type of genetic drift describing the loss of allelic variation that occurs when a population is reduced to a small number of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how scientists use radioactive decay in fossils.

Scientists use radioactive isotopes in rocks to date fossils by measuring the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes as they decay. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between sympatric species and allopatric species.

Allopatric speciation occurs when two species live in separate environments with no gene flow, while sympatric speciation occurs when two species live in the same environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is primary productivity? Give examples.

Primary productivity is the creation of organic matter from carbon dioxide and water through photosynthesis, with examples including moss, lichen, and ferns. Signup and view all the answers

Define semipermeable membrane and describe the types of transports that occur within.

A semipermeable membrane allows certain molecules or ions to pass through by diffusion, facilitated diffusion, passive transport, or active transport. Signup and view all the answers

Describe geographic isolation.

Geographic isolation refers to a population of organisms that are separated from exchanging genetic material with their species due to physical barriers. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the law of entropy.

The law of entropy states that the entropy of an isolated system always increases. In contrast to closed systems, isolated systems cannot exchange heat. Signup and view all the answers

How can an ancestral gene help acquire a new function in an organism?

Gene families arise from the duplication of an ancestral gene followed by the functional divergence of the duplicated copies. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the isolating mechanism at work in the divergence of Darwin's finches.

The isolating mechanism was geographic isolation, as they moved to different islands and adapted separately to food sources, preventing gene flow. Signup and view all the answers

Define photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

Photosynthesis uses sunlight to synthesize organic matter from carbon dioxide and water. Chemosynthesis involves synthesizing organic compounds using energy from inorganic reactions. Cellular respiration is the production of ATP through oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release. Signup and view all the answers

How can mutation affect an offspring?

Mutation can lead to changes in gene or chromosome sequences, potentially resulting in noticeable phenotypic changes. Signup and view all the answers

Name and describe four ways speciation can occur.

Speciation can occur through: 1) Behavioral isolation - different mating rituals; 2) Temporal isolation - species reproduce during different times; 3) Gamete fusion - gametes do not recognize each other; 4) Ecological isolation - species populate different habitats in the same area. Signup and view all the answers

If a population was exposed to large amounts of air pollution for multiple generations, what traits would the offspring of the population begin to evolve?

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Study Notes

Autopolyploidy vs. Allopolyploidy

Autopolyploidy involves an individual with multiple chromosome sets from the same species.
Allopolyploidy arises from the hybridization of different species, resulting in polyploid individuals.

Adaptation and Speciation

Isolation of a population initiates natural selection and adaptation.
Lack of gene flow from other populations culminates in speciation over time.

Isolation Mechanisms

No isolation mechanism allows gene flow between populations.
Complete isolation prevents any gene exchange, leading to eventual speciation.
Intermediate isolation offers partial barriers leading to varied gene flow.

Gene Flow and Species Diversity

Movement of individuals or gametes introduces new genetic material.
This genetic exchange enhances biodiversity within populations.

Haploid, Diploid, and Polyploid

Haploid: one set of chromosomes; found in gametes.
Diploid: two sets of chromosomes; typical in somatic cells.
Polyploid: multiple sets of chromosomes; can influence gamete production.

Key Biological Terms

Homeosis: relocation of a functioning gene to a different position.
Homoplasy: shared traits among species not derived from a common ancestor.
Syngamy: fusion of gametes.
Synteny: conservation of gene order on chromosomes.
Pseudogene: non-functional gene resembling a functional variant.
Heterochrony: changes in the timing of development.
Gene family: related genes from duplication events.
Horizontal gene transfer: genetic exchange between different species.
Transcription factor: proteins regulating gene expression.
Evolution: gradual change in species over generations.

Allopatric vs. Sympatric Populations

Allopatric populations live in separate environments, preventing gene flow.
Sympatric populations coexist in the same geographic area.

Conditions for Natural Selection

Phenotypic variation is essential for favoring advantageous traits.
Variations must influence reproductive success of offspring.
Genetic basis is necessary for traits to contribute to evolutionary change.

Asexual Reproduction

Advantages: rapid increase in offspring, no mate required, survival benefit from large numbers.
Disadvantages: competition for resources among close offspring, vulnerability to environmental changes.

Sexual Reproduction

Advantages: increases genetic variation, offspring differ from parents.
Disadvantages: slower reproduction rate, dependence on finding a mate.

Isolating Mechanism Definition

Preventative mechanisms hindering species from interbreeding, e.g., ecological, behavioral, temporal, and mechanical isolation.

Adaptive Radiation

Evolution of diverse species from a common ancestor, adapting to various environments.

Laws of Energy

First law: energy conservation.
Second law: entropy in isolated systems tends to increase.

Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs

Autotrophs are primary producers synthesizing organic matter from sunlight.
Heterotrophs obtain organic matter by consuming other organisms.

Agents of Evolutionary Change

Mutation alters allele frequencies.
Gene flow introduces new alleles to populations.
Nonrandom mating influences genetic similarity in offspring.
Genetic drift affects allele prevalence, especially in small populations.
Natural selection favors beneficial inherited traits.

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to analogous environments.

Active vs. Passive Transport

Passive transport moves molecules along concentration gradients without energy.
Active transport requires energy to move substances against concentration gradients.

Genetic Drift vs. Gene Flow

Genetic drift shifts allele frequencies in small populations.
Gene flow spreads alleles across different populations, increasing genetic diversity.

Bottleneck Effect

Genetic drift resulting from a significant reduction in population size, reducing genetic variation.

Radioactive Decay in Fossils

Radioactive isotopes decay, allowing scientists to determine the age of fossils through isotope ratios.

Sympatric vs. Allopatric Species

Sympatric species coexist in a shared environment while allopatric species are separated geographically.

Primary Productivity

Primary productivity mainly occurs through photosynthesis, converting solar energy into organic matter.

Semipermeable Membrane

A membrane allowing selective passage of molecules via passive or active transport.

Geographic Isolation

Physical barriers prevent populations from exchanging genetic material, leading to potential speciation.

Law of Entropy

Entropy within an isolated system continually increases, differing from closed systems, which allow heat exchange.

Ancestral Genes and New Functions

Duplication of ancestral genes can lead to functional diversification, enabling new characteristics.

Divergence of Darwin's Finches

Geographic isolation among island populations contributed to adaptive divergence and speciation.

Photosynthesis, Chemosynthesis, and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis: conversion of solar energy into organic matter.
Chemosynthesis: synthesis of organic compounds from inorganic chemicals.
Cellular respiration: energy production in the form of ATP with oxygen intake.

Mutation Effects on Offspring

Mutations can alter DNA sequences, leading to observable phenotypic changes in offspring.

Speciation Mechanisms

Types of speciation include:
Behavioral isolation: mating rituals differ.
Temporal isolation: shifts in reproductive timing.
Gamete fusion issues: incompatibility prevents successful fertilization.
Ecological isolation: species exploit different habitats despite geographical proximity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in biology with these flashcards focused on speciation and polyploidy. Understand the differences between autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy, and explore how adaptation influences the process of speciation.