Biology Unit 7 & 8 Review: Evolution and Taxonomy

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a synapomorphy in phylogenetics?

A unique characteristic of one species

An ancestral trait that is lost in some descendants

A shared derived character from a common ancestor (correct)

A trait that is shared by two groups but originated independently

Which taxonomic category is the most specific?

Family

Order

Genus

Species (correct)

What is the function of binomial nomenclature in taxonomy?

To give each species a two-part name for classification. (correct)

To provide a shared name for all animals

To determine the evolutionary relationships among species.

To classify animals into families.

How are character data defined in phylogenetics?

Information used to identify branches on a cladogram Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the difference between taxonomy and phylogenetics?

Taxonomy is about the naming and classification of organisms, while phylogenetics studies how they are related. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data can be considered as character data in phylogenetic analysis?

Morphological, molecular, and genetic traits. Signup and view all the answers

What evolutionary trait is associated exclusively with members of the family Carnivora?

Carnassial teeth for shearing meat. Signup and view all the answers

Which describes the process of lekking among manakins?

A communal display of coordinated performances to attract females. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary assumption behind animal behavior optimization in cost/benefit analysis?

Animals are likely to make optimal decisions when benefits exceed costs. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of a typical beaver family structure?

Monogamous adult pair with offspring that can be up to three years old. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a beaver's scent mound?

To signal family membership and territory to other beavers. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a category of acoustic signal degradation?

Sound Amplification Signup and view all the answers

In the context of acoustic communication, what does attenuation refer to?

The weakening of sound signals due to distance and environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which influence is significant in degrading acoustic signal quality?

Environmental factors such as temperature and wind. Signup and view all the answers

What would be a potential reason for beavers to invest time and energy into creating scent mounds?

To ensure communication benefits that outweigh the costs of making them. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies the application of multiple hypotheses in understanding beaver scent mounding behavior?

Different reasons for creating mounds are considered, such as communication and territory marking. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to sound energy as it propagates over distance?

Sound energy is lost and spreads over a larger area. Signup and view all the answers

How does temperature affect sound propagation?

Sound travels faster in warmer temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does wind direction have on sound communication range?

Sending sound against the wind decreases range. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sound frequency is less likely to degrade over long distances?

Low frequencies. Signup and view all the answers

How is a Transfer Function related to sound degradation?

It describes the pattern of frequency degradation varying with environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of Scattering in sound propagation?

It can reduce the effective range of sound. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when sound travels differently in layers of water with varying temperatures?

Refraction. Signup and view all the answers

What does Heat Loss refer to in the context of sound propagation?

The conversion of sound energy into thermal energy. Signup and view all the answers

What does runaway selection describe in the context of evolutionary traits?

Females evolving preferences for traits unrelated to mate choice. Signup and view all the answers

According to Fisher's hypothesis, which statement is accurate?

The preference is expressed only in females and the trait in males. Signup and view all the answers

What does Zahavi's Handicap Principle suggest about sexually selected traits?

Costly traits signal that a male has good health and genes. Signup and view all the answers

How do sexually selected traits directly indicate health according to the content?

By exhibiting traits that signal parasite resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship exists between peacock eyespot area and reproductive success?

Peacocks with greater eyespot area have greater reproductive success. Signup and view all the answers

What adaptive response might a species use to differentiate their sounds from ambient noise?

Varying the temporal pattern of sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes sexual dimorphism in the context of sexual selection?

Males display more elaborate traits than females. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of male competition for mating access?

Males exhibit high variance in reproductive success. Signup and view all the answers

How does parental investment differ between sexes?

Females typically face more costs in raising offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mechanisms describes how males might gain access to females?

Through physical competition or displays. Signup and view all the answers

What describes a significant difference between sexual selection and natural selection?

Sexual selection often focuses on traits that enhance mating opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Covid have on bird song in the San Francisco area?

Birds increased their song rates. Signup and view all the answers

What does cumulative selection imply in sexual selection?

Traits build upon previous traits over time. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when individuals in a population differ in their ability to attract mates?

Sexual selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is NOT an example of sexual selection?

The color of a bird's feathers for camouflage Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of sexually selected traits?

Higher visibility to predators Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes gradual selection of traits that convey a mating advantage over time?

Gradual evolution Signup and view all the answers

In terms of parental investment, what characterizes a population with low disparity?

Males and females have little difference in investment Signup and view all the answers

What kind of signals in males may exploit female sensory systems for attraction?

Visual stimuli linked to male fitness Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis explains the success of animals whose offspring survive and have high reproductive success?

Fisher's Sexy Son Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes differential reproduction?

Only a few individuals contribute to the gene pool Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait shared by species that exhibit extreme morphological sexual dimorphism?

High competition among males Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of females affect the song switching in red-winged blackbirds?

It increases the frequency of song switching Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 7 - Evolution Review

Biological evolution is the process of change in species over time.
Natural selection is the mechanism of evolution. It is the process where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring.

Unit 8 Phylogenetics and Behavior

Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms.
Taxonomic classification uses a nested hierarchy, progressing from most specific (species) to least specific (domain). An example is Panthera pardus (leopard). The hierarchy includes species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom, and domain.
Binomial nomenclature is a system for naming species using two names: genus and species (e.g., Panthera pardus = leopard).

What is a species?

A species is a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

What is the difference between a taxonomic category and designation?

Taxonomic categories are the hierarchical levels in the classification system.
Taxonomic designations are binomial nomenclature, the scientific names given to species.

What is the science of phylogenetics (cladistics)?

Phylogenetics (cladistics) is the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms, using shared derived characters.

Unit 9 - Cost/Benefit Analysis

Cost benefit analysis predicts that animals will evolve optimal behaviors where benefits outweigh the costs.
Example of beaver chemical communication, scent mound building and the cost/benefit analysis associated.

Unit 10 - Environmental Constraints on Acoustic Communication

Acoustic communication can be degraded in several ways: attenuation through spreading losses and refraction, where temperature and wind affect these processes; and sound masking by natural and anthropogenic noise.

Unit 11 - Sexual Selection

Sexual selection is the process that results in exaggerated traits that are not necessary for survival but help individuals attract mates.
Darwin's Observations of Sexual Dimorphism describes elaborate males and cryptic or inconspicuous females.
Sexual selection occurs through sexual dimorphism where one sex (typically male) has elaborate ornamentation, armaments, or displays. The other sex is typically cryptic in morphology and behaviour.
Mechanisms of sexual selection include runaway selection and indicator mechanisms.
Runaway selection occurs when traits that are attractive to females and these traits are selected by females.
Indicator mechanisms like Zahavi's handicap principle show that traits that are costly to produce may signal the male's genetic quality or health.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts from Biology Unit 7 and Unit 8, focusing on evolution and phylogenetics. You'll explore topics such as natural selection, species classification, and binomial nomenclature. Test your understanding of how organisms evolve and how they are classified in the natural world.