Evolution Overview Quiz

Study Notes

Classification system by Carolus Linnaeus grouped species based on morphological similarities.
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed the inheritance of acquired traits, notably suggesting adaptations occur within a lifetime.
Nicholas Steno identified fossils as evidence of gradual changes in the Earth over time.
Mary Anning's discoveries indicated that species extinction occurs, challenging previous beliefs.
Charles Darwin's theory emphasized natural selection as the primary mechanism for evolution.
Evolution is defined as cumulative genetic changes within populations over time.
Darwin's three propositions: species evolve, descent with modification occurs, and natural selection drives survival and reproduction.

Mutations can emerge from DNA replication errors or external factors like radiation, affecting genetic variation.
Germline mutations in gametes lead to heritable variation, crucial for evolutionary processes.
Human mutation rate is approximately 10^-8 mutations per nucleotide per generation.
Genetic drift affects allele frequencies, particularly in small populations, causing random fluctuations.
Population dynamics define potential gene flow; gene pools represent total alleles available within a population.
Natural selection acts on advantageous mutations, refining phenotypes to better match environmental conditions.

Illustrates how allele frequencies can be maintained or change over generations in a population under equilibrium.
Assumes conditions like large population size, no mutations, random mating, no selection, and no migration.
Deviations from these conditions can lead to shifts in allele frequencies, indicating evolutionary changes.

Reproductive isolation mechanisms include prezygotic barriers (habitat, temporal, behavioral, mechanical, and gametic isolation) and postzygotic barriers (reduced hybrid viability and fertility).
Speciation occurs when populations are isolated and evolve independently, as exemplified by Darwin’s finches.
Hybridization can result in viable hybrids but may also lead to reduced fitness or reproductive barriers between distinct species.

Coevolution involves reciprocal adaptations between species, particularly between predators and prey.
Arms races can drive evolutionary changes, where each species adapts in response to the other's adaptations for survival.
Outcomes influence survival rates, niche specialization, and biodiversity.

Phylogenetic trees depict evolutionary relationships, illustrating shared ancestry among species through branching patterns.
Nodes represent common ancestors where lineages diverge, providing insight into evolutionary history.
Terminal branches lead to extant taxa, while internal branches reflect evolutionary pathways.
Rooted trees display relationships among a focal group and a related outgroup, showcasing evolutionary divergence.