Evolutionary Biology Overview
50 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is biological evolution primarily characterized by?

  • Short-term environmental changes
  • Immediate adaptations to environmental pressures
  • Changes not inherited through genes
  • Long-term genetic changes across generations (correct)
  • How does the theory of common descent explain the relationship among all living organisms?

  • All life forms originated from different ancestors
  • All life shares a common ancestor from which they diverged (correct)
  • Species can evolve without ancestral links
  • Life evolved independently without any common ancestor
  • What influence did Alfred Russel Wallace have on Darwin's formulation of evolutionary theory?

  • He provided a detailed alternative mechanism similar to natural selection (correct)
  • He published a book before Darwin that outlined the theory of common descent
  • He discredited Darwin's ideas about species and evolution
  • He proposed a different theory of evolution unrelated to natural selection
  • How does the Linnaean classification system support the theory of evolution?

    <p>It classifies species using a two-part naming system that reflects evolutionary history (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does anatomical homology indicate about the relationship between different species?

    <p>Similar skeletal structures suggest a common evolutionary ancestor despite functional differences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of vestigial traits in the context of evolution?

    <p>They serve as nonfunctional remnants that trace back to ancestors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does convergent evolution support the theory of evolution?

    <p>It shows that unrelated species develop similar adaptations due to environmental pressures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do similarities in embryonic development provide evidence for evolution?

    <p>Similarities in embryonic stages indicate shared ancestry among species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a biological species?

    <p>A group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is reproductive isolation primarily concerned with?

    <p>Preventing gene flow between species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a prefertilization reproductive barrier?

    <p>Temporal reproductive isolation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the speciation process, which of the following steps is the first?

    <p>Geographic separation occurs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes gene flow?

    <p>The spread of alleles throughout a species' gene pool. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is genetic drift primarily influenced by?

    <p>Chance events that alter allele frequencies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best describes the founder effect?

    <p>Genetic differences when a small sample starts a new population (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by assortative mating?

    <p>Preference to mate with individuals similar in certain traits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does stabilizing selection do to a population's traits?

    <p>Resists changes and favors intermediate traits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about alleles?

    <p>Different versions of the same gene can be alleles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What leads to the formation of allopatric populations?

    <p>Geographic barriers separating populations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of polyploid organisms?

    <p>They contain multiple copies of chromosomes from both parents (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process describes the gradual accumulation of small changes in populations over time?

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

    How is reproductive isolation achieved in sympatric populations?

    <p>Due to differences in mating rituals or timing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does instantaneous speciation refer to in evolutionary biology?

    <p>Polypoid organism is genetically isolated from both parents (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept defines species based on common ancestry and independent evolutionary lineages?

    <p>Genealogical species concept (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of genetic drift on small populations?

    <p>It can lead to significant changes in allele frequencies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of evolutionary change is evidenced by long periods of little change followed by sudden dramatic changes?

    <p>Punctuated equilibrium (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main outcome of natural selection?

    <p>Evolution through the change in frequencies of traits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection?

    <p>Acquired traits must be inheritable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evidence strongly supports the theory of common descent?

    <p>The presence of vestigial traits in modern species. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about Lamarckian evolution is accurate?

    <p>Traits acquired during an individual's life are passed to offspring. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is primarily influenced by natural selection?

    <p>The adaptation of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'fitness' refer to in the context of natural selection?

    <p>The ability to survive and reproduce relative to others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following types of evidence is NOT generally used to support the theory of common descent?

    <p>Lamarck’s inherited traits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the role of adaptations in natural selection?

    <p>Only some adaptations improve fitness in particular environments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between natural selection and Lamarckian evolution?

    <p>Natural selection acts on inherited traits, while Lamarckian evolution focuses on acquired traits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the fossil record is true?

    <p>Fossils provide evidence of sequential evolution and common ancestry. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect of diversifying selection on a population?

    <p>It results in two or more variants in the population. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which strategy is effective in stopping drug resistance in bacteria?

    <p>Combination drug therapy for extended periods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a likely consequence of genetic drift in small populations?

    <p>Random changes in the gene pool. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Endosymbiotic theory propose about mitochondria and chloroplasts?

    <p>They evolved from bacteria inside primitive eukaryotes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is true about the kingdom Protista?

    <p>Its members are mostly simple eukaryotes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is true of the domain Eukarya?

    <p>Organisms have genetic material located within the nucleus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do fungi play in nutrient cycling?

    <p>They are key decomposers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes prokaryotes from eukaryotes?

    <p>Lack of nucleus or organelles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which technique is used to analyze the evolutionary relationships among species?

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

    What factor complicates the reconstruction of evolutionary relationships?

    <p>Loss of evolved traits in descendant species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are viral pathogens considered nonliving?

    <p>They lack homeostasis and cannot reproduce without a host. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which kingdom includes organisms that are primarily heterotrophic and absorb nutrients?

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

    What is the basis of biological classification according to evolutionary relationships?

    <p>Time of divergences among species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which domain includes organisms without peptidoglycan in their cell walls?

    <p>Archaea. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Biological Evolution

    Changes in a population's traits over generations, passed down through genes.

    Common Descent

    All life forms share a single ancestor.

    Natural Selection

    Organisms better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

    Anatomical Homology

    Similarities in body structures, even if functions differ.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Convergent Evolution

    Unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environments.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Vestigial Trait

    A reduced or nonfunctional structure suggesting a shared ancestor.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Modern Biological Classification

    A system that organizes organisms into groups based on shared characteristics implying evolutionary relationships.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Embryonic Development

    Similarities in early stages of development can show evolutionary relationships.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Biological Species

    A group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. They cannot reproduce fertile offspring with members of other species.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Reproductive Isolation

    Prevention of gene flow between species, meaning they can't interbreed and mix their genes. There are pre-fertilization and post-fertilization barriers preventing this mixing.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Spatial Reproductive Isolation

    A type of reproductive isolation where species live in different places and thus cannot interact for mating.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Behavioral Reproductive Isolation

    A type of reproductive isolation where species have different mating rituals, preventing interbreeding.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Speciation

    The process of one or more new species evolving from an ancestral form. It involves three steps: 1. Isolation, 2. Divergence, and 3. Reproductive isolation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the most compelling evidence for common descent?

    The close similarity in DNA sequences between various organisms suggests a shared ancestry.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the core idea of Lamarckian evolution?

    Organisms acquire changes during their lifetime, which are then passed down to their offspring, driving evolution.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the key difference between Lamarckian and Darwinian evolution?

    Darwinian evolution focuses on inheritable variations, while Lamarckian evolution emphasizes acquired traits.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are the requirements for natural selection?

    Natural selection requires variations within a population, heritable traits, overproduction, and non-random survival and reproduction.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is 'fitness' in terms of natural selection?

    Fitness refers to an individual's relative survival and reproduction compared to others in the population.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is an 'adaptation' in the context of natural selection?

    An adaptation is a trait that increases an individual's fitness in its environment, making it more likely to survive and reproduce.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the consequence of natural selection?

    Natural selection leads to changes in the traits of a population over generations, favoring beneficial variations and eliminating unfavorable ones.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is 'artificial selection' and how does it relate to natural selection?

    Artificial selection is a human-driven process of selectively breeding organisms with desired traits. It mirrors the mechanism of natural selection, but with human intervention.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Why does natural selection only act on traits present in a population?

    Natural selection can only work with the existing genetic variations within a population; it cannot create new traits on demand.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does natural selection lead to adaptation?

    Natural selection favors traits that increase an individual's fitness in a particular environment, gradually leading to adaptations that make a species better suited to its surroundings.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Founder effect

    A type of genetic drift where a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a different allele frequency compared to the original population.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Bottleneck effect

    A type of genetic drift where a large population experiences a drastic reduction in size, usually due to a disaster. The surviving individuals have a different allele frequency than the original population.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Genetic Drift in Small Populations

    In small populations, random fluctuations in allele frequencies are more likely to occur due to chance events. This can lead to the loss or fixation of alleles.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sexual Selection

    A type of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to find mates and reproduce, leading to the increased frequency of those traits in the next generation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Assortative Mating

    A mating pattern where individuals prefer to mate with others who have similar traits, like height or social characteristics. This can lead to increased variation between groups.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Allopatric Populations

    Populations separated by geographic barriers like mountains or rivers, preventing gene flow.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sympatric Populations

    Populations living near each other but with reproductive isolation due to differences in mating behavior, habitat preferences, or other factors.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Polyploidy

    A process of chromosome duplication that can lead to instant speciation by making infertile plant hybrids fertile.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Instantaneous Speciation

    The rapid formation of a new species due to polyploidy, isolating the new organism from its parents.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gradualism

    Evolutionary change that occurs gradually over long periods, with small changes accumulating over time.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Punctuated Equilibrium

    Evolutionary change that occurs in bursts of rapid change followed by periods of stability.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Genealogical Species Concept

    Defines species based on shared ancestry and independent evolutionary lineages, acknowledging that organisms can interbreed.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Genetic Drift

    Random changes in allele frequencies within a population, especially significant in small populations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Diversifying Selection

    A type of natural selection where extreme traits are favored over intermediate traits, leading to two or more distinct variants within a population.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Drug Resistance

    The ability of bacteria to survive and multiply in the presence of antibiotics, often caused by mutations that allow them to resist the effects of the drug.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Maintaining Drug Therapy

    Continuing antibiotic treatment for a longer period, even after symptoms subside, to reduce the likelihood of resistant bacteria developing.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Combination Drug Therapy

    Using multiple antibiotics simultaneously to target bacteria from different angles, making it harder for them to develop resistance.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Biodiversity

    The variety of life on Earth, encompassing the different species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity within species.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Estimating Biodiversity

    Using scientific methods to estimate the number of species that are yet to be discovered, based on known patterns and extrapolated data.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Tree of Life

    A representation of the evolutionary relationships among all living organisms, showing their shared ancestry and branching patterns over time.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    DNA Comparisons

    Analyzing DNA sequences of different organisms to determine their evolutionary relationships, based on the principle that closely related species share more similar DNA.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Domains

    Large, fundamental classifications of life based on fundamental cellular structures, reflecting ancient divergences and biological relationships.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Prokaryotes

    Organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles within their cells, including bacteria and archaea.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cyanobacteria

    Photosynthetic bacteria that produce oxygen and fix nitrogen, playing a crucial role in shaping Earth's early atmosphere.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Endosymbiotic Theory

    The theory that proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts, organelles found in eukaryotic cells, evolved from bacteria that were engulfed by early eukaryotic cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Kingdom Protista

    A diverse kingdom of eukaryotic microorganisms that includes algae, slime molds, and protozoa, with varying modes of nutrition and lifestyles.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Kingdom Animalia

    The kingdom of multicellular eukaryotes that includes all animals, characterized by their ability to move and their heterotrophic mode of nutrition.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Kingdom Fungi

    The kingdom of heterotrophic eukaryotes that includes mushrooms, molds, and yeasts, characterized by their ability to absorb nutrients from dead or decaying matter.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Evidence for Evolution

    • Biological evolution is a change in characteristics of a biological population that occurs over generations, inherited via genes.
    • Non-evolutionary changes are due to short-term environmental changes, not genetic.
    • Common descent theory posits all life shares a common ancestor, illustrated via tree diagrams.

    Darwin's Theory of Evolution

    • Darwin's experiences, including reading Principles of Geology by Charles Lyell and Alfred Russel Wallace's manuscript, led to his theory.
    • Darwin's theory also draws on Wallace's detailed mechanism for evolutionary change, similar to natural selection.
    • Origins of Species details Darwin's full theory, particularly emphasizing natural selection and the preservation of favored races.

    Modern Biological Classification

    • The modern biological classification system, derived from the Linnaean system, organizes diversity and implies evolutionary relationships.
    • The Linnaean system uses a hierarchical structure with species given two-part Latin names.
    • Modern humans are classified within a broader framework — domain-level classification.

    Homologies and Evolution

    • Anatomical homologies, like similar skeletal structures (mammalian forelimbs), underscore common ancestry, even in traits with different functions.
    • Convergent evolution shows structural similarities in unrelated species without common descent.
    • Vestigial traits, non-functional or greatly reduced features, demonstrate shared ancestry through comparisons with functional traits in related organisms.
    • Embryonic development similarities (developmental homologies) show common ancestry among organisms.

    Molecular Homologies and Biogeography

    • Molecular homologies (similarities in DNA sequences) provide information about organism relationships, time since divergence and molecular clock.
    • Closely related species have more similar DNA sequences.
    • Biogeography, the study of species distribution, supports the theory of evolution, highlighting unique species on Galapagos Islands, resemblances between organisms on islands and mainlands, and the proximity of early humans to less-mobile relatives in Africa.

    Fossil Record and Evolutionary Change

    • Fossils offer direct evidence of evolutionary change in species over time, providing a record of ancient life.
    • Hominin fossils (humans and human ancestors) provide evidence of evolutionary changes in traits like foramen magnum position, pelvis shape, and limb length.
    • Anatomical differences between hominids and other primates provide support for human evolutionary trajectories.

    Theories of Evolution

    • The theory of common descent posits that all species descended from a single common ancestor.
    • The theory of natural selection explains how organisms evolve from a common ancestor.
    • Current species evolved sequentially from earlier species, evidenced by close DNA similarities.

    Mechanisms for Evolution

    • Natural Selection involves variation among individuals within populations, some of which can be passed onto offspring.
    • Natural selection leads to favorable traits becoming more frequent in populations.
    • Populations can experience different types of selection (directional, stabilizing, and diversifying) leading to varying outcomes.
    • Adaptations are traits increasing fitness and are an outcome of Natural Selection.
    • Genetic drift, a chance event, affects allele frequencies in populations, especially smaller populations, through founder or bottleneck effects
    • Sexual selection and assortative mating can drive evolution through mate choice

    Speciation

    • Biological species are groups of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
    • Reproductive isolation mechanisms keep species distinct, including spatial, behavioral, temporal, mechanical, and gamete incompatibility.
    • Speciation occurs in three steps: isolation of gene pools, migration of a small population to a new secluded location, and adaptive radiation.
    • Geographic isolation is often a driving force behind allopatric speciation, while sympatric speciation can occur in the same location.

    Biological Classification

    • Biological classification organizes species based on evolutionary relationships, reflected in the "tree of life."
    • Domains (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya) represent major evolutionary divergences.
    • Kingdoms (e.g., plantae, animalia) illustrate more closely related groups within Domains.

    Biodiversity

    • Biodiversity encompasses the variety of species.
    • Extrapolation suggests far greater biodiversity than currently catalogued.
    • Classification systems help understand evolutionary relationships and estimate species diversity.

    Studying That Suits You

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

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    BIOL Unit 3 Review PDF

    Description

    Explore the key concepts of biological evolution, including evidence supporting evolution, Darwin's theory, and modern classification methods. This quiz examines the significance of common descent and natural selection, as well as the historical context of evolutionary thought.

    More Like This

    Chapter 17: Evolutionary Theory
    33 questions
    Biological Evolution and Theories
    23 questions
    Evolutionary Biology Quiz
    50 questions

    Evolutionary Biology Quiz

    MindBlowingOctopus avatar
    MindBlowingOctopus
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser