Biology Lecture on Evolution

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of all species that have evolved have become extinct?

  • 50%
  • 90%
  • 75%
  • 99% (correct)

What does the term 'pseudo extinction' imply?

  • A species migrates without evolving.
  • A species evolves into another species. (correct)
  • A species disappears completely.
  • A species is permanently unobservable.

What primarily leads to the extinction of a species?

  • Predation by other species.
  • Natural disasters alone.
  • Inability to adapt to environmental changes. (correct)
  • Competition with other species.

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a contributor to mass extinction?

<p>Overpopulation of species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long after the meteor impact did the dinosaurs go extinct?

<p>Close to a million years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is suggested to be a major cause of the current sixth mass extinction?

<p>Human activities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to be a misunderstood concept about evolution in the discussion?

<p>Evolution directly causes extinction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environment-related factor may contribute to mass extinction events?

<p>Increase in volcanic activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that causes minor evolutionary changes in populations?

<p>Natural selection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Microevolution typically refers to changes at what level?

<p>The genetic makeup of a population (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an organism that has undergone microevolution?

<p>House sparrows (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes macroevolution from microevolution?

<p>Macroevolution results in major changes in species. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT associated with the evolution of species?

<p>Artificial selection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do different environments affect species within the same ancestral population?

<p>They cause variations in gene frequencies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of insects evolving resistance to pesticides?

<p>Negative impacts on food supply (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does low pH have on coal roots?

<p>It causes roots to disappear. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant impact of deforestation mentioned in relation to orangutans?

<p>Discovery of new orangutan species at risk of extinction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is adaptive radiation defined in the context provided?

<p>A method by which organisms adapt based on morphology. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is noted as distinctive about the Hawaiian silver sword’s classification?

<p>It exhibits significant morphological differences across environments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is noted about the adaptability of plants compared to humans?

<p>Plants exhibit greater plasticity and adaptability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'adaptive radiation' involve according to the discussion?

<p>Evolving into different species based on environmental conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many sets of chromosomes do humans typically possess?

<p>23, one from each parent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the impact of species destruction in the context discussed?

<p>It results in biological annihilation and habitat loss. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker imply about the learning process after obtaining a doctoral degree?

<p>Real learning begins in the real world. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do phylogenies differ from cladistics according to the speaker?

<p>Phylogenies reflect family trees, while cladistics analyze relationships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What caution does the speaker provide regarding classification based on appearances?

<p>It could lead to incorrect assumptions about relationships. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, who was Linnaeus and what was his contribution?

<p>He classified organisms and named Homo sapiens. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do fossils play in understanding relationships among species?

<p>They show superficial similarities that can be misleading. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do plants adapt to their environments according to the content?

<p>By having multiple sets of chromosomes that can express different genes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'out group' in the context of evolutionary comparison?

<p>A distant group used for comparative analysis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do regulatory genes play in the adaptation of birds, as mentioned in the content?

<p>They control the physical appearance of birds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the speaker suggest not to memorize details for tests?

<p>Memorization leads to a shallow understanding of the material. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of understanding characteristics logistically in evolutionary studies?

<p>It helps illustrate how organisms are related and their evolutionary timeline. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is rapid reproduction essential for birds, according to the content?

<p>It contributes to their overall survivability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation do plants face compared to animals regarding adaptation to their environment?

<p>Plants lack the ability to move when their environment changes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon in plants is discussed in relation to environmental influences?

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

How does the content describe the differences observed in finches from South America to the Galapagos Islands?

<p>They show variations influenced by the same population's genes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to be a significant factor in the survival of plant species in varying environments?

<p>Gene expression influenced by environmental factors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do animals have over plants regarding environmental challenges?

<p>Ability to relocate when necessary (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant discovery was made by Albert Russell Wallace 22 years after Darwin's initial theory of natural selection?

<p>Natural selection as an independent mechanism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is blending inheritance, as understood during Darwin's time?

<p>A concept where attributes mix like paint colors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Darwin include in the title of his foundational work published in 1859?

<p>On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Mendel's discovery contribute to the understanding of genetics?

<p>By introducing particulate inheritance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Darwin's response to Wallace's independent findings in natural selection?

<p>He collaborated to publish their findings together (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'races' in Darwin's work?

<p>Phenotypic variations that weren't genetically understood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one limitation of Darwin's theory compared to later genetic understanding?

<p>It didn't incorporate Mendelian genetics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major concept did Darwin and Wallace contribute to evolutionary biology?

<p>Natural selection as a mechanism of evolution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Phylogeny

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between different groups of organisms.

Cladistics

A method of classifying organisms based on shared derived characteristics, focusing on evolutionary relationships.

Outgroup

A group of organisms that is not closely related to the group being studied, used as a reference point for comparison.

Linnaeus' Taxonomy

A system of classifying organisms based on their physical characteristics, which can be misleading.

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Comparative Anatomy

A comparison of the anatomy of different organisms to determine evolutionary relationships.

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Fossil Records

The study of fossils to understand the history of life on Earth.

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Genetics

The study of genes and genetic inheritance to determine evolutionary relationships.

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Evolution

The biological evolution of new traits or characteristics over time.

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Pseudo Extinction

A type of extinction where a species appears to disappear from the fossil record but actually evolves into a new species or migrates and evolves into a new species in a different environment.

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Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, passing those traits on to their offspring.

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Mass Extinction

The disappearance of a large number of species within a relatively short period of time, often caused by a catastrophic event or environmental change.

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Impact Theory

The theory that a large meteorite impact was a major factor in the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species around 66 million years ago.

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Sixth Mass Extinction

A theory that human activities are causing a significant increase in the rate of extinction, potentially leading to a sixth mass extinction event.

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Extinction Causalities

Any event or factor that causes the extinction of a large number of species.

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Plate Tectonics

The process of geological change where the Earth's tectonic plates shift and move, resulting in changes in land masses, ocean basins, and volcanic activity.

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Climate Change

Changes in the Earth's climate, including temperature, rainfall, and atmospheric composition.

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Adaptive Radiation

The process by which a species rapidly diversifies into many new species, often in response to a new environment or change in the environment.

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Derived Character

A characteristic that has evolved relatively recently and is unique to a particular lineage of organisms.

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Haploid

The total number of chromosomes in a cell is called as haploid.

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Diploid

The total number of chromosomes in a cell is called as diploid.

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pH

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

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Micro Evolution

Minute changes in the gene pool of a population, often due to environmental factors.

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Macro Evolution

Major evolutionary changes leading to the formation of new species over long periods. Can involve changes in body form, function, or adaptation.

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Minor Evolutionary Changes

Variations within a population's gene pool that occur due to environmental factors.

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Speciation

The process by which a population of organisms diverges from its ancestral form into a new species. Often driven by isolation and different environmental pressures.

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Examples of Micro Evolution

Examples of micro evolution in action, such as variations in house sparrow populations or mosquito resistance to pesticides.

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Different Gene Frequencies

The different gene frequencies found in populations descended from the same ancestor.

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Factors Affecting Micro Evolution

Factors that influence the process of micro evolution, including predation, sexual selection, and environmental pressures.

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Plant Adaptability

Plants can have multiple sets of chromosomes, allowing genes to be turned on or off by the surrounding environment, resulting in adaptations for survival.

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Environmental Influence on Evolution

Changes in the environment can trigger adaptations in organisms, leading to evolutionary changes over time.

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Plasticity

The ability of organisms to change or adjust in response to environmental pressures, allowing them to survive.

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Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression without alteration of the DNA sequence, influenced by environmental factors.

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Rapid Reproduction Rate

The ability of an organism to quickly reproduce and spread, contributing to its survival in challenging environments.

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Evolutionary Change

A change in the physical characteristics of a population over time, often driven by environmental factors.

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Regulatory Genes

Genes involved in controlling the expression of other genes, playing a crucial role in development and adaptation.

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Migration

The process of organisms moving from one location to another, allowing them to avoid unfavorable environments and find new resources.

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Blending Inheritance

Darwin initially believed that traits blended together in offspring, like mixing paint colors. This was later proven incorrect by Mendel's discoveries in genetics.

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Mendelian Genetics

The discovery of the basic principles of heredity, showing how traits are passed down through generations.

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Study Notes

Biology Lecture on Evolution

  • Phylogenies, cladistics, natural selection, plate tectonics, continental drift, extinction, adaptive radiation, transitional fossils, Darwin-Wallace theory, artificial selection, genetic variation, evolution, species, fossil record, environmental change were discussed
  • The lecture started with a review of the previous material, and handouts were distributed as the administration would not allow entry into a designated classroom.
  • Topics like timelines, handouts, and understanding evolutionary concepts were discussed.
  • Students were encouraged to focus on understanding the concepts rather than memorizing all the details.
  • The difference between phylogenies and cladistics, as well as the importance of evolutionary relationships, was highlighted.
  • Traditional classifications were contrasted with the modern concepts of taxonomy and evolution.
  • The concepts of characteristics, logistically, and Linnaeus were used to understand evolutionary relationships.
  • The importance of fossil record and comparative anatomy to clarify genetic relationships and shared traits were discussed.
  • The class continued with the use of mammals as an outgroup for comparing and contrasting different species, particularly focusing on birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, and the archosaurs (ruling reptiles).
  • Discussions about geological changes, like the movement of continents (continental drift and plate tectonics).
  • A discussion on mass extinctions, annihilation of species, and the complexities of extinction and evolutionary changes was held.
  • The lecture addressed topics like different types of extinction.
  • Student questions, and difficulties understanding the material were discussed.
  • The role of natural selection, in relation to extinctions, environment, and climate patterns, was highlighted.
  • The lecture discussed the influence of plate tectonics and geological changes on life's evolution.
  • The concepts of extinction, radioactive decay, creation of the Earth, and the movement of plates were reviewed.
  • The relationships between biology, chemistry, and physics were discussed, highlighting the unifying theory of geology and the role of evolution as the unifying theory of biology.
  • The lecture included a discussion about evolutionary history, plant reproduction, speciation, and the formation of species.
  • Topics on genetic variation, the importance of Mendelian genetics, how the environment effects organisms. and the adaptive radiation by Darwin-Wallace, were explained in detail.

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