Evolution Mechanisms and Examples

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of mutations in the process of evolution?

To limit genetic diversity among species

To increase the number of individuals in a population

To introduce new alleles into a gene pool (correct)

To harmonize the gene frequencies in a population

Which mechanism of evolution is characterized by random changes in allele frequencies?

Genetic drift (correct)

Non-random mating

Artificial selection

Gene flow

How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?

They both rely on random mating among organisms.

Artificial selection is guided by human choice rather than survival in nature. (correct)

Artificial selection occurs in natural environments while natural selection does not.

Natural selection results in more rapid changes than artificial selection.

What results from gene flow in a population?

Alteration of allele frequencies due to immigration or emigration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes microevolution?

Small-scale evolution occurring within a single population Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of non-random mating?

Limited gene pool leading to inbreeding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution?

Species extinction Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives the process of genetic drift?

Random events affecting allele frequencies Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes macroevolution?

Patterns and processes occurring over long periods of time. Signup and view all the answers

Why is extinction considered important in understanding evolution?

It creates opportunities for new species to evolve. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of adaptive radiation?

The various forms of Darwin’s finches. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes convergent evolution?

Unrelated organisms in different environments developing similarities. Signup and view all the answers

What defines coevolution in species?

Two or more species evolving in response to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What does punctuated equilibrium propose?

There are periods of rapid change interspersed with stability. Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomena can lead to a burst of evolution after mass extinctions?

Opening up of ecological niches. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates convergent evolution?

Similarity in form between dolphins and sharks. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bellwork Questions

Natural selection is a process
Speciation is a process

Daily Reminders

Nova tree of Life Late due yesterday
Corrections: complete any missing or incorrect questions to reach 70%
Evolution & Taxonomy Unit Test: Tuesday, January 30th
Vocabulary Quiz Monday, January 29th
EOC: April 24th

Today's Objective

Learn about mechanisms of evolution(mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, artificial selection, and non-random mating)

Mechanism of Evolution: Mutations

Mutation: Production of new alleles
Mutation happens during gamete production

Mechanisms of Evolution: Mutations (Real-world examples)

Japanese Mutant Butterfly
Japanese Mutant Mouse

Mechanism of Evolution: Gene Flow

Gene flow: A few organisms from a neighboring population move into the area and begin breeding

Mechanisms of Evolution: Genetic Drift

Genetic drift: random changes in allele frequencies

Mechanisms of Evolution: Artificial Selection

Artificial selection: the process of selection under human direction

Mechanisms of Evolution: Non-Random Mating

Non-random mating: Only certain individual organisms can mate; gene pool is small due to these organisms producing more offspring with only their genes

Summary of Evolutionary Mechanisms

Selection: Certain alleles are favored. Can lead to maintenance, increase, or reduction. Can produce adaptation.
Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies; most important in small populations. Tends to reduce, via loss or fixation of alleles. Usually reduces fitness.
Gene Flow: Movement of alleles between populations; reduces differences between populations. May increase or decrease by introducing or removing alleles. May increase fitness by introducing high-fitness alleles; May decrease fitness by introducing low-fitness alleles.
Mutation: Production of new alleles. Increases by introducing new alleles. Random with respect to fitness; most mutations lower fitness.

Patterns of Evolution

Microevolution: Evolution on a small scale within a single population over a small amount of time.
Microevolution caused by: Mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, selective breeding, and random mating

Part 2

Analyze and evaluate the effects of other evolutionary mechanisms in macroevolution

Macroevolution

Large-scale evolutionary patterns and processes occurring over long periods of time.
Transcends the boundaries of a single species

Macroevolution Topics

Extinction
Adaptive radiation
Convergent evolution
Coevolution
Punctuated equilibrium
Changes in developmental genes

Extinction

Several times in Earth's history, mass extinctions wiped out ecosystems.
During these events, many species became extinct.
Other species took advantage of ecological opportunities as habitats opened up; this produced a burst of evolution

Adaptive Radiation

When a single group of species evolves through natural selection into diverse forms that live in different ways

Adaptive Radiation (Examples)

Darwin's finches
Wild mustard variations

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated organisms in similar environments evolve to look remarkably similar

Coevolution

Two species evolve in response to changes in each other over time.
Plants develop pollination methods that take advantage of insect feeding adaptations. Conversely, insects adapt to take advantage of available plants for nourishment.

Punctuated Equilibrium

"Rapid" evolution after long periods of equilibrium. Often occurs due to isolated populations, migrations, or mass extinctions

Developmental Genes

Homologous control genes serve similar functions in animals that have not shared a common ancestor in millions of years

1/24 Assignment

Answer the following questions (gene flow, gene pool, genetic drift, effect on biodiversity, and drawing) using the provided picture.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the various mechanisms of evolution including mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and artificial selection. This quiz covers key concepts and real-world examples like the Japanese mutant butterfly and mouse. Prepare for your upcoming tests on evolution and taxonomy.