Evolution Selective Pressures Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Define selective pressures

Environmental factors which may reduce reproductive success in a population and thus contribute to evolutionary change or extinction through the process of natural selection.

List some examples of selective pressures

Competition, predation, disease, parasitism, land clearance, climate change and pollutants.

Define population

A group of organisms of the same species living together in a particular place and time.

Define gene pool

The total sum of all the genes present in a population. Signup and view all the answers

Define allele frequency

How often a particular gene occurs in a particular population. Signup and view all the answers

Define species

A group of organisms that can reproduce under natural conditions to produce fertile offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What are the stages of speciation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Details of variation

Variation exists between individuals within a population; the population shares a common gene pool, but some variations are better suited to the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Details of isolation

Parts of a population may become isolated due to physical barriers, preventing mating and migration, which stops gene flow. Signup and view all the answers

Details of geographical barriers

Include mountain ranges, deserts, and large bodies of water. Signup and view all the answers

Details of ecological barriers

Occur when populations occupy different habitats. Signup and view all the answers

Details of behavioural barriers

When populations demonstrate behavioural differences towards each other. Signup and view all the answers

Details of structural barriers

Such as non-complementary female and male genitalia, making breeding physically impossible. Signup and view all the answers

Details of selection

The isolated population may experience different selection pressures, leading to changes in allele frequency over generations. Signup and view all the answers

Details of speciation

If individuals from one population cannot breed with another due to isolation and different selection pressures, a separate species may evolve. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Selective Pressures

Environmental factors that reduce reproductive success in populations.
Contribute to evolutionary change or extinction through natural selection.

Examples of Selective Pressures

Competition for resources.
Predation risk.
Disease occurrence.
Parasitism effects.
Impacts from land clearance and climate change.
Pollution influencing survival.

Population

A defined group of organisms from the same species, coexisting in a specific location and time.

Gene Pool

The entire collection of genes within a given population.

Allele Frequency

The proportion of a specific allele within a population.

Species

Organisms capable of interbreeding under natural conditions to produce fertile offspring.

Stages of Speciation

Variation: Differences within a population.
Isolation: Separating populations, hindering mating and allele transfer.
Selection: Differential survival and reproduction based on environmental pressures.
Speciation: The formation of new species over time.

Variation

Exists among individuals in a population, contributing to diversity.
Certain variations may be more advantageous in specific environmental conditions.

Isolation

Large populations can spread geographically but may form barriers, leading to isolation.
Prevents mating and genetic exchange through geographical, ecological, behavioral, or structural barriers.

Geographical Barriers

Physical obstacles such as mountain ranges, deserts, and large bodies of water.

Ecological Barriers

Occur when populations utilize different habitats, reducing interactions.

Behavioral Barriers

Differences in behaviors can prevent populations from mating.

Structural Barriers

Physical incompatibilities, like non-complementary reproductive structures, hinder mating.

Selection

Isolated populations may face distinct selection pressures, leading to changes in allele frequency over generations.

Speciation

When isolated populations cannot interbreed and face differing environmental pressures, they may evolve into separate species over time.

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Description

Test your knowledge on selective pressures and speciation in evolution. This quiz covers definitions and examples of environmental factors affecting reproductive success and evolutionary change. Perfect for students of evolutionary biology.