Evolution and Natural Selection
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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

  • Microevolution focuses on the mechanisms of evolution, while macroevolution focuses on evolutionary relationships. (correct)
  • Microevolution focuses on small-scale genetic changes, while macroevolution focuses on large-scale changes that lead to new species.
  • Microevolution is about changes within a population, while macroevolution is about changes between populations.
  • Microevolution focuses on evolutionary history, while macroevolution focuses on ecological mechanisms.

    • Which of the following is NOT a necessary condition for evolution by natural selection?

  • Individuals must experience competition for resources. (correct)
  • Individuals within a population must have variation in their traits.
  • Trait variation must be at least partially heritable.
  • Variation in survival and reproduction must be non-random with respect to traits.

    • In the example of the peppered moth, what was the selective pressure that caused the shift in population towards the darker phenotype?

  • The introduction of a predator that preferred the lighter moth.
  • The availability of lichen-covered trees.
  • The increased levels of pollution from the Industrial Revolution. (correct)

    • Why is it incorrect to say that evolution is "just a theory"?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a scientific law?

    <p>Gravity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements BEST describes the role of natural selection in evolution?

    <p>Natural selection eliminates individuals with less favorable traits, leading to changes in the population over generations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the statement "variation in survival/reproduction is non-random with respect to phenotype" mean in the context of evolution by natural selection?

    <p>Individuals with certain traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the increase in average height of humans over time considered an example of evolution?

    <p>It is an example of microevolution, showcasing a change in a population's traits over generations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Evolution

    The change in species over generations through time.

    Natural Selection

    A process where individuals better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

    Peppered Moth Example

    A classic case showing natural selection with moth color variation due to environmental changes.

    Scientific Theory

    An overarching set of principles based on repeated observation and experimentation.

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    Microevolution vs Macroevolution

    Microevolution deals with small changes within populations, while macroevolution focuses on large-scale evolutionary changes.

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    Evolutionary Mechanisms

    Eco-genetic processes that explain evolutionary changes.

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    Evolutionary History

    The study of relationships and common ancestry among organisms.

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    Phenotypic Variation

    The observable differences in traits among individuals in a population.

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    Study Notes

    Evolution

    • Evolution is change over time within a population.
    • Within an individual, this change is called development.
    • Natural selection is one cause of evolution, but it's not the only one.

    Peppered Moth Example

    • Peppered moths occur in two color phases: light/peppered and dark.
    • Initially, both phases are camouflaged against lichen-covered trees.
    • Industrial pollution darkened tree bark, giving a survival advantage to dark moths.

    Evolution as a Scientific Theory

    • A scientific theory is a set of principles explaining natural phenomena, confirmed by observation and experiment.
    • It's not a hunch or guess.
    • Evolution by natural selection is mathematically inevitable.

    Scientific Laws vs. Theories

    • Scientific laws describe what happens, while a scientific theory explains why it happens.
    • Evolution is a testable, unifying theory.

    Evolutionary Biology Subfields

    • Microevolution focuses on evolutionary mechanisms (ecological and genetic factors causing change).
    • Macroevolution focuses on evolutionary history (common ancestry and phylogenetics).

    Evolution by Natural Selection

    • Four conditions for natural selection:
      • Individuals within a population vary phenotypically.
      • Phenotypic variation is heritable.
      • Individuals vary in reproductive success.
      • Variation in survival/reproduction is non-random relative to phenotype.
    • These conditions lead to changes in population composition between generations.

    Example: Human Height

    • Improved diet and access to food led to taller individuals in 1997 compared to 1914.

    Evolutionary Theory's Role

    • Evolutionary theory provides a framework for understanding the natural world.
    • It explains adaptations and biodiversity, with natural selection as a central concept.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of evolution, including natural selection, the example of the peppered moth, and the differences between scientific laws and theories. Gain insights into how evolutionary biology functions as a scientific discipline and its relevance in understanding diversity in populations.

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