Evolution, Proteins, Adaptations and Biomimicry

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Questions and Answers

How does gene duplication contribute to evolutionary change?

  • It provides additional copies of genes that can then diverge and evolve new functions. (correct)
  • It speeds up the process of natural selection by increasing population size.
  • It directly creates new adaptations by altering existing genes.
  • It prevents mutations from occurring in essential genes.

Which scenario best exemplifies convergent evolution?

  • A population of birds evolving different beak shapes to utilize different food sources on the same island.
  • Two distantly related species of desert plants both developing succulent leaves for water storage. (correct)
  • A group of insects mimicking the color patterns of a poisonous butterfly within the same habitat.
  • A species of fish developing resistance to a specific pesticide due to prolonged exposure.

Which of the following applications illustrates the concept of biomimicry?

  • Using genetic engineering to produce crops that are resistant to specific pests.
  • Designing a more aerodynamic car body modeled after the shape of a dolphin. (correct)
  • Creating a synthetic fertilizer that mimics the nutrient composition of natural compost.
  • Developing a new antibiotic based on compounds found in soil bacteria.

How does directional selection influence the distribution of traits in a population?

<p>It favors one extreme phenotype, causing a shift in the population's trait distribution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios is an example of heterozygote advantage?

<p>A human population where individuals heterozygous for the sickle cell trait are more resistant to malaria. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative consequence of artificial selection?

<p>Decreased adaptation to natural environmental conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does sexual selection differ from natural selection?

<p>Sexual selection acts on traits that increase mating success, even if they decrease survival, while natural selection favors traits that improve survival and reproduction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is sexual selection typically stronger on males than females in many species?

<p>Males invest less energy in reproduction compared to females. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sexual selection, infanticide is an example of:

<p>Intrasexual selection where males compete for reproductive opportunities after mating. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does virulence typically relate to the mode of transmission of a pathogen?

<p>Pathogens transmitted through vectors or indirect means tend to be more virulent than those transmitted by direct contact. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using Wolbachia to control mosquito-borne diseases?

<p>To reduce the mosquito population by making them sterile or less capable of transmitting pathogens. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a parasite manipulating its host's behavior?

<p>A fungus causing ants to climb to a high point before they die, to enhance spore dispersal, (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is biodiversity important for ecological stability?

<p>Biodiversity provides redundancy and resilience in ecosystem functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did cyanobacteria play in the early evolution of life on Earth?

<p>They produced oxygen through photosynthesis, fundamentally changing the atmosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes horizontal gene transfer?

<p>It is the transfer of genes between organisms of different species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evolutionary event is explained by the theory of endosymbiosis?

<p>The emergence of organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do plants utilize photosynthesis to support life on Earth?

<p>By consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, converting light energy into chemical energy that forms the base of food chains. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From an evolutionary standpoint, why are fungi considered more closely related to animals than to plants?

<p>Fungi and animals are both heterotrophs that obtain nutrients by absorption. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do stomata contribute to a plant's ability to survive on land?

<p>They regulate gas exchange, allowing carbon dioxide to enter for photosynthesis and oxygen to exit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes angiosperms from gymnosperms?

<p>Angiosperms produce seeds enclosed in fruits, while gymnosperms produce seeds exposed on cones. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do sponges differ from cnidarians in terms of tissue organization?

<p>Sponges have specialized cells but no true tissues, while cnidarians have tissues but no true organs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ecological terms, what is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

<p>A habitat is the physical environment where an organism lives, while a niche is its ecological role and interactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples describes a mutualistic relationship?

<p>Bees pollinating flowers, gaining nectar while aiding plant reproduction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

<p>Energy flows from producers to consumers, decreasing at each trophic level due to metabolic processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which body plan is characterized by a distinct head and tail, as well as a left and right side?

<p>Bilaterally symmetrical (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did multicellularity likely arise in animals?

<p>From colonies of single-celled organisms with specialized cell types. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between protostomes and deuterostomes during embryonic development?

<p>In protostomes, the first opening becomes the mouth, while in deuterostomes, it becomes the anus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You observe two species of birds living in the same forest. One species primarily eats insects from tree bark, while the other feeds on seeds found on the forest floor. What ecological concept does this illustrate?

<p>Resource partitioning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a forest ecosystem after a major fire. Initially, grasses and small plants begin to colonize the area, followed by shrubs and small trees, and eventually, larger trees dominate. What ecological process is being described?

<p>Ecological succession (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Protein

Biological molecules that perform various functions in living organisms.

Adaptation

A trait that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction.

Gene duplication

A process where a gene is copied within the genome, leading to evolutionary changes.

Convergent evolution

Unrelated species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

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Biomimicry

Using nature as a model to solve human problems.

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Directional selection

A form of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype.

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Balancing selection

A type of selection that maintains genetic diversity in a population.

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Disruptive selection

A form of selection that favors extreme phenotypes at both ends.

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Stabilizing selection

A type of selection that favors average phenotypes.

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Heterozygote advantage

When heterozygotes have higher fitness than homozygotes.

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Negative frequency dependent selection

Selection that favors rarer traits in a population.

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Müllerian mimicry

When two harmful species evolve to resemble each other.

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Batesian mimicry

When a harmless species evolves to resemble a harmful species.

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Artificial selection

Human-directed selection to breed specific traits in organisms.

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Selective breeding

The process of breeding plants or animals for specific traits.

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Sexual selection

A form of selection that favors traits that increase mating success.

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Sexual dimorphism

Differences in physical traits between males and females of the same species.

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Mating success

The ability of an individual to find a mate and reproduce.

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Intersexual selection

When one sex selects a mate based on certain traits.

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Intrasexual selection

When individuals of the same sex compete for mates.

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R-strategist vs. K-strategist

Reproduce quickly with many offspring (R) vs invest more in fewer offspring (K).

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Disease

A disorder that impairs normal functioning.

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Infection

The invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body.

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Pathogen

An organism or agent that causes disease.

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Susceptibility

The likelihood of being affected by a disease or infection.

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Virulence

The degree of harm caused by a pathogen.

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Transmission

How pathogens are spread from one organism to another.

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Vector

An organism that transmits a pathogen.

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Parasite

An organism that lives in or on another organism, benefiting at the host's expense.

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Host manipulation

The alteration of a host's behavior by a parasite to increase its survival.

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Study Notes

  • Biological molecules performing functions in organisms are proteins.
  • Adaptations increase an organism's survival and reproduction in an environment.
  • Gene duplication involves copying a gene within the genome, which can lead to evolutionary changes.
  • Convergent evolution is when unrelated species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
  • Biomimicry is using nature as a model to solve human problems.

Proteins

  • Proteins catalyze reactions, form structures, and support immune responses.

Adaptation

  • Organisms evolve adaptations which aids survival in extreme environments.

Convergent Evolution

  • Different species evolve similar traits independently when facing similar environmental challenges.

Gene Duplication

  • Gene duplication followed by divergence (leading to a new gene) is a significant mechanism in evolution.

Biomimicry Applications

  • Biomimicry is useful in engineering, designing new structures based on natural forms.
  • Medical advancements use compounds or systems from organisms to create treatments.
  • Environmental solutions include using natural processes to address pollution or energy needs.

Natural Selection

  • Natural selection favors traits that improve survival and reproduction.

Types of Natural Selection

  • Directional selection favors one extreme phenotype.
  • Balancing selection maintains genetic diversity.
  • Disruptive selection favors extreme phenotypes at both ends of the spectrum.
  • Stabilizing selection favors average phenotypes.

Genetic Variation

  • The relation between a trait and fitness dictates how frequent a trait is within a population.

Artificial Selection

  • Selective breeding by humans can have both positive and negative impacts.

Sexual Selection

  • Sexual selection favors traits increasing mating success, not necessarily survival.
  • Sexual dimorphism increases with intense competition for mates.
  • Competition occurs within one sex (intrasexual) or mate choice by the other sex (intersexual).
  • Sexual selection can occur before and after mating.

Reproductive Strategies

  • R-strategists reproduce quickly with many offspring and K-strategists invest more in fewer offspring.

Diseases

  • Diseases are disorders that impair normal functioning.
  • Infections are caused by pathogens invading and multiplying in the body.
  • Virulence is the measure of harm caused by a pathogen.
  • Transmission of pathogens can be direct (e.g., touch) or indirect (e.g., through vectors).

Mosquitoes

  • Female mosquitoes are one of the most relevant disease vectors.
  • Infection with Wolbachia in mosquito populations is explored as a method to control mosquito-borne diseases.

Parasites

  • Parasites manipulate hosts by altering behavior, physiology, or neurology to increase survival.
  • Intermediate hosts are required for a pathogen's life cycle, while the final host is where the pathogen reaches maturity.

Key aspects of Biodiversity

  • Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and offers services to humanity.
  • Rapid reproduction combined with horizontal gene transfer causes prokaryotes to evolve quickly.
  • Cyanobacteria played a role in changing Earth's atmosphere, which enabled the evolution of aerobic life.
  • Eukaryotes and archaea are more closely related than bacteria are.

Metabolism

  • Metabolism can be categorized by energy source: chemotrophs use chemical reactions, and phototrophs use light.
  • Metabolism can be categorized by carbon source: autotrophs produce their food, and heterotrophs consume other organisms.

Ecosystems

  • Microbiomes are essential in ecosystems and human health.

Photosynthesis

  • Photosynthesis in plants makes food with light energy via chloroplasts.

Importance of Photosynthesis

  • Photosynthesis supports nearly all life on Earth, directly or indirectly.

Plant Adaptations

  • Roots, leaves, and vascular tissue are adaptations that help terrestrial plants survive on land.

Fungi

  • Fungi decompose organic matter, and are more closely related to animals than to plants.
  • Fungi are useful for commercial and medical usage.

Multicellular Animal Evolution

  • Cellular animals are evolved from colonies of single-celled organisms with specialized cell types.

Animal Body Symmetry

  • Asymmetry, radial, and bilateral body designs distinguish animal groups.

Animal Development

  • Sponges have cells but no true tissues; cnidarians have tissues but no true organs.
  • Ecology studies interactions between organisms (biotic) and their environment (abiotic).
  • Habitats are where organisms live, and niches are their ecological roles.
  • Species interactions include mutualism, parasitism, and competition.
  • Energy flows from producers to consumers, which decreases at each trophic level.

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