Darwin & Neo-Darwin's Evolution Theory

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of Darwin's key observations related to natural selection?

Mutation (correct)

Excess Reproduction

Inheritance

Variation

Natural selection leads to the gradual evolution of species.

True

What is meant by 'abiogenesis'?

The concept of life emerging from non-living matter.

The study of similar structures due to shared ancestry is known as ___________ structures.

homologous Signup and view all the answers

Match the following structures with their descriptions:

Homologous Structures = Similar structures due to shared ancestry Vestigial Structures = Reduced or functionless parts from ancestors Analogous Structures = Similar function but different origin Embryology = Similarities in embryonic development Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT required for the Hardy-Weinberg Principle to hold?

Small population size Signup and view all the answers

Vestigial structures are always functional in current species.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role does biogeography play in the study of evolution?

It explains species distribution based on evolutionary history and geographic barriers. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of selection favors average traits and reduces extremes?

Stabilizing Selection Signup and view all the answers

Punctuated Equilibrium involves long periods of rapid evolutionary change.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the four principles of natural selection?

Overproduction of offspring, variation, adaptation, and descent with modification. Signup and view all the answers

The process of breeding for certain traits in agriculture is known as ________.

Artificial Selection Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Natural Selection = Process where traits increase survival and reproductive success. Vestigial Structure = A structure with reduced or no function, remnants of evolutionary history. Fitness = Ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment. Mutation = A change in the DNA sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes the loss of genetic variation when a new population is established by a few individuals?

Founder Effect Signup and view all the answers

Disruptive Selection favors average traits in a population.

False Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a structure that serves no function but is a remnant of evolutionary history.

Vestigial structure (e.g., human appendix) Signup and view all the answers

_________ refers to the study of geographic distribution of species.

Biogeography Signup and view all the answers

What type of selection occurs when there is a shift in the population's trait distribution towards one extreme?

Directional Selection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Darwin & Neo-Darwin's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

Key Observations:
Excess Reproduction: Species produce more offspring than can survive, leading to competition for resources.
Variation: Individuals within a population exhibit differences.
Inheritance (Adaptation): Traits are passed from parents to offspring.
Differential Survival (descent with modification): Some variations increase survival and reproduction in specific environments.
Theory Development:
Darwin used observations from his voyage and other naturalists' work.
Natural selection, over long periods, leads to speciation (new species formation).
Three components of Darwinian and Neo-Darwinian theory:
Abiogenesis: Life originating from non-living matter.
Speciation (Macroevolution): Formation of new species.
Microevolution: Small-scale evolutionary changes within a species over generations. Scientific evidence supports the occurrence of all three. Darwinian/Neo-Darwinian mechanisms currently only explain Microevolution.

Evidence of Evolution

Fossils: Show changes in life forms over time.
Structures:
Homologous Structures: Similar structures, shared ancestry (e.g., vertebrate limbs).
Vestigial Structures: Reduced or functionless parts, remnants of ancestors (e.g., human appendix).
Analogous Structures: Similar function, different origin (e.g., bird and insect wings).
Embryology: Similarities in embryonic development indicate common ancestry.
Biochemistry: Similar proteins (e.g., cytochrome c) or DNA sequences in different species.
Biogeography: Explains species distributions based on evolutionary history and geographic barriers.
Natural Selection: Traits improving survival and reproduction become more prevalent in populations.

Shaping Evolutionary Theory

Hardy-Weinberg Principle: Allele frequencies remain constant in a population under specific conditions (no mutation, gene flow, random mating, large population, no selection).
Speciation: Divergence of populations into new species, often starting in small isolated populations with unique selection pressures.
Types of Selection:
Stabilizing: Favors average traits, reduces extremes.
Directional: Favors one extreme trait, shifts population distribution.
Disruptive: Favors both extremes, may lead to speciation.
Models of Evolutionary Change:
Gradualism: Slow, continuous evolutionary change.
Punctuated Equilibrium: Periods of stasis punctuated by rapid change.

Natural Selection

Four Principles:
Overproduction of offspring: More offspring produced than can survive.
Variation: Individuals within a population differ.
Adaptation: Traits enhance survival and reproduction.
Dissent with modification: Beneficial traits passed down.
Conditions driving natural selection:
Environmental changes (example given about peppered moths and industrial revolution)
Predation (example with moths)

Vocabulary

Artificial Selection: Breeding for desired traits.
Natural Selection: Traits enhancing survival and reproduction.
Evolution: Heritable trait changes in a population.
Vestigial Structure: Reduced or non-functional structure.
Homologous Structure: Similar anatomy, common ancestor.
Analogous Structure: Similar function, different origin.
Embryo: Early developmental stage, showing similarities.
Biogeography: Study of species distribution.
Fitness: Ability to survive and reproduce.
Camouflage: Adaptation for blending into the environment.
Mutation: Change in DNA sequence.
Hardy-Weinberg Principle: Constant allele frequencies.
Genetic Drift: Random allele frequency changes in small populations.
Founder Effect: Reduced genetic variation in a new population.
Bottleneck: Reduction in population size, diminishing genetic diversity.
Stabilizing Selection: Favors average traits.
Directional Selection: Favors an extreme trait.
Disruptive Selection: Favors both extremes.
Adaptive Radiation: Rapid diversification from a single ancestor.
Gradualism: Steady, slow evolutionary change.
Punctuated Equilibrium: Periods of stasis/rapid change.
Irreducible Complexity: Argument that some biological systems cannot evolve through successive modifications.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Darwin's and Neo-Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. This quiz covers essential observations such as excess reproduction, variation, inheritance, and processes like speciation and microevolution. Delve into the scientific foundation of these evolutionary principles.