Coevolution and Speciation Processes

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the biological species concept?

Populations whose members can potentially interbreed, under natural conditions.

Populations whose members are reproductively isolated from other such groups.

Populations whose members can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Populations that share similar morphological features. (correct)

What is the primary difference between a paleontological species and a biological species?

Paleontological species are based on fossil evidence while biological species are based on living organisms.

Paleontological species are based on morphology while biological species are based on genetic similarities. (correct)

Paleontological species are defined by their ability to interbreed while biological species are defined by their shared ancestry.

Paleontological species are extinct while biological species are currently living.

Which of the following is an example of an atavistic organ?

The presence of teeth in a chicken (correct)

The appendix in humans

The wings of a penguin

The tailbone in humans

What is convergent evolution?

The process by which two unrelated species evolve similar characteristics due to similar environmental pressures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of analogous structures?

The wings of a bird and the wings of a bat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered the basic level on which macroevolutionary processes operate?

Species Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism driving speciation?

Reproductive isolation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Domains does NOT include organisms considered to be part of the Kingdom Animalia?

Archaea Signup and view all the answers

What do homologous structures in different vertebrates indicate?

They reflect a shared evolutionary origin. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes analogous structures from homologous structures?

They have different evolutionary origins but perform similar functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which animal is identified as the primary ancestor of the coywolf?

Coyote Signup and view all the answers

What genetic trait contributes to the small size of certain dog breeds?

A mutation in a growth hormone-regulating gene. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of artificial selection in plants?

Dandelion Signup and view all the answers

What feature of bush dogs aids them in swimming?

Partially webbed toes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the genetic relationship of bush dogs is accurate?

They are closely related to the maned wolf or African wild dog. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the development of small dog breeds like Pomeranians and Chihuahuas according to researchers?

A historical genetic mutation predates domestication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when two species evolve together due to genetic changes in one species selecting for adaptations in another?

Coevolution Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the evolutionary change in the rate or timing of developmental events within an organism?

Heterochrony Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes punctuated equilibrium in evolutionary biology?

Evolution is characterized by rare, rapid events of speciation. Signup and view all the answers

Parapatric speciation involves which of the following scenarios?

Part of a population enters a unique new habitat bordering the parent species range. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of speciation results from genetic divergence due to physical barriers interrupting gene flow?

Allopatric speciation Signup and view all the answers

What concept is considered the most specific and scientifically useful in biological classification?

Species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements differentiates sympatric speciation from other types?

It occurs within a single geographic area with no physical barriers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is NOT characteristic of phyletic gradualism?

Rapid branching speciation events Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Species Interactions and Coevolution

Adaptations in one species can drive adaptations in another, creating a feedback loop.
This reciprocal evolutionary change is called coevolution.

Evolutionary Effects of Development Genes

Developmental genes control the rate, timing, and pattern of organismal development.
Changes in these genes can lead to significant changes in body form.

Changes in Rate and Timing

Heterochrony is an evolutionary change in the rate or timing of developmental events.
Differences in the relative growth rates of parts of the body, lead to the contrasting shapes of human and chimpanzee skulls.

Speciation Rates- Punctuated Equilibrium vs. Gradualism

Punctuated equilibrium: Long periods of little change punctuated by short bursts of rapid evolutionary change.
Gradualism: Gradual, steady change over long periods.
These are two contrasting models for how speciation occurs.

Speciation Processes and Rates

Punctuated equilibrium:
- Sexually reproducing populations experience long periods of little change.
- Rapid bursts of branching speciation (cladogenesis) are localized and rare events.
- Phyletic gradualism:
  - Evolution occurs steadily along a lineage (anagenesis).

Parapatric Speciation

Part of a population enters a new habitat bordering the range of the parent species.
The border group develops unique traits.
Hybrids form between the populations
A common example is the Little greenbul of Cameroon (different populations developing traits in different environments).

Sympatric Speciation

Populations diverge genetically within the same geographic area.
Cichlids of Cameroon and Lake Ejagham are an example.
Populations adapt differently to varying microenvironments.
Example is that of cichlids in different environments of Cameroon populations and Lake Ejagham.
A change in ecological strategy can result in speciation.

Allopatric Speciation

Geographic isolation creates separate populations that diverge genetically over time.
- Dispersal, and vicariance are the two main ways populations can be isolated geographically.
Over time, separate populations evolve significant differences and can no longer interbreed.

Biological Species Concept

A group of populations whose members can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Members of the same species can interbreed, or have the potential to interbreed.
Speciation occurs when breeding becomes impossible.

Macroevolution and Microevolution

Microevolution is the change in allele frequencies within a population.
Microevolution has a key role in macroevolution , driving the evolution of new species.

Evidence of Biological Evolution and Natural Selection

Anatomical Record:
- Homologous structures are similar in structure, share evolutionary origin, but not necessarily in function (e.g., forelimbs of mammals).
- Analogous structures have similar functions,but do not share evolutionary origins (e.g., wings of birds and insects).
- Vestigial structures are reduced or diminished structures that had important functions in an ancestor.

Convergent Evolution

Organisms that are not closely related develop similar characteristics due to similar environmental pressures.

Artificial Selection in Plants

Humans have selected for desirable traits in plants such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts.

Coyotes, Wolves, and Dogs

New DNA research indicates that eastern coyotes are a mixture of coyote, wolf, and dog genes, not a distinct species.
Genetic variation exists in coyote populations.

Bush Dog

The bush dog is a canine found in Central and South America.
It's evolutionarily closer related to the maned wolf, than the African wild dog or other related species.
The bush dog evolved partially-webbed toes, to facilitate aquatic foraging.

Dog Domestication

Findings indicate the origin of a small dog type before domestication emerged from a wolf populations, and not as a result of human-selected preferences for small breeds.
Genetic mutations influencing body size are evident in early wolf ancestors.

The Organization of Life

The Linnaean taxonomy (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species) groups organisms by shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.
A paleontological species uses morphology to define species instead of interbreeding criteria.

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Description

This quiz explores the intricate dynamics of species interactions, coevolution, and the effects of developmental genes on evolution. It also covers the contrasting models of speciation, including punctuated equilibrium and gradualism. Test your knowledge on how these concepts shape the evolutionary timeline of organisms.