Evolutionary Biology Quiz
48 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 the primary effect of directional selection on a population's traits?

  • It increases the frequency of intermediate traits.
  • It maintains stability in trait frequencies.
  • It shifts the trait distribution toward one extreme. (correct)
  • It promotes the extinction of all traits.

How does disruptive selection influence a population?

  • It favors individuals with average traits.
  • It promotes speciation by favoring extreme traits. (correct)
  • It favors only the most common traits.
  • It creates a spectrum of intermediate traits.

Which of the following best describes stabilizing selection?

  • It increases the number of individuals with average traits. (correct)
  • It shifts traits towards less prevalent features.
  • It eliminates all traits that do not contribute to survival.
  • It favors extreme variations of a trait.

Which scenario is an example of directional selection?

<p>Moths in a polluted area becoming darker. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would disruptive selection most likely occur?

<p>When resources favor both extremes of a trait spectrum. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately differentiates natural selection from artificial selection?

<p>Natural selection occurs without human intervention, while artificial selection is intentional. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of disruptive selection over time?

<p>Speciation, leading to the emergence of new species. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trait variation is most likely to be favored by stabilizing selection?

<p>Average birth weight in mammals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is considered the strongest line of evidence for evolution?

<p>Molecular biology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the concept of biogeography?

<p>The geographic distribution of species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does genetic evidence help in tracing evolutionary relationships?

<p>Through molecular similarities in DNA sequences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates direct observation of evolution?

<p>The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of DNA do humans and chimpanzees share?

<p>98-99% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which past event helps explain the distribution of similar species?

<p>Continental drift (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the evolution of peppered moths in industrial England?

<p>Pollution affecting their habitat (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary method allows scientists to compare genomes across species?

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

What is the primary process through which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce?

<p>Natural Selection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism of evolution is characterized by random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations?

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

How does gene flow affect genetic variation within populations?

<p>It introduces new alleles into the population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes mutations in the context of evolution?

<p>They are the ultimate source of genetic variation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of non-random mating?

<p>It favors mating between individuals with similar traits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism of evolution involves the transfer of alleles when individuals from different populations interbreed?

<p>Gene Flow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the founder's effect?

<p>A type of genetic drift that occurs when a small number of individuals establish a new population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately represents the relationship between evolution and randomness?

<p>Random events, such as mutations and genetic drift, introduce unpredictability into evolution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of gene flow between populations?

<p>It increases genetic diversity in the receiving population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the founder's effect?

<p>A small group separates from a larger population, forming a new colony. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the founder's effect impact genetic variation?

<p>It leads to reduced genetic variation in the new population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately differentiates gene flow from the founder's effect?

<p>Gene flow mixes genetic materials, whereas the founder's effect creates a genetically limited population. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to certain traits in a population affected by the founder's effect?

<p>Certain traits may become more or less common by chance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the concept of gene flow?

<p>A small group of wolves moves to a different territory and breeds with local wolves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of gene flow on the genetic differences between populations?

<p>It tends to eliminate genetic differences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true for populations formed by the founder's effect?

<p>They usually exhibit high frequencies of particular traits carried by the founders. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of divergent evolution?

<p>Species become more dissimilar (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of divergent evolution?

<p>Whales evolving from a common mammalian ancestor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do vestigial structures indicate about an organism?

<p>The species has lost the original function of certain structures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT commonly found in vertebrate embryos?

<p>Fur coats (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of studying embryology in evolutionary biology?

<p>To establish evolutionary relationships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is convergent evolution primarily characterized by?

<p>Unrelated species developing similar adaptations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does molecular biology contribute to the study of evolution?

<p>By providing data on unrelated organisms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the significance of diversified traits in evolved species?

<p>They enhance adaptability to specific environments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to the incompleteness of the fossil record?

<p>Quick burial after death and geological processes (A), Long evolutionary history and destruction of fossils (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes relative dating of fossils?

<p>It estimates the age based on the rock strata position. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does half-life refer to in the context of radioactive decay?

<p>The duration needed for half of a radioactive sample to decay. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes transitional fossils?

<p>Fossils with characteristics of both ancestral and descendant groups. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might soft-bodied organisms be underrepresented in the fossil record?

<p>They often decay or are destroyed before fossilization occurs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does absolute dating differ from relative dating?

<p>Absolute dating uses decay rates of isotopes for age determination. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do geological processes play in the fossil record?

<p>They can destroy or bury fossils, leading to gaps in the record. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which environments is fossilization most likely to occur?

<p>Wet and low-lying areas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Directional selection

A type of natural selection where one extreme trait is favored, causing the population to shift towards that extreme.

Disruptive selection

A type of natural selection where both extreme traits are favored, while the average trait is selected against. The population essentially splits into two distinct groups.

Stabilizing selection

A type of natural selection where the average trait is favored, and extreme variations are selected against.

Artificial selection

A process where humans intentionally select for specific traits in organisms, often through breeding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Natural selection

A process where organisms with traits that better suit them to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to their offspring.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evolution

The change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gene pool

The total genetic variation of all the organisms in a population.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Founder's effect

A decrease in genetic diversity when a small group of individuals starts a new population.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Founder's Effect

The founder's effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals separates from a larger population to form a new colony, carrying with them only a subset of the original population's genetic diversity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Founder's Effect Impact

The founder's effect can lead to reduced genetic variation and may cause certain traits to become more or less common in the new population by chance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Impact of founder's effect

The founder’s effect can lead to reduced genetic variation and may cause certain traits to become more or less common in the new population by chance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Impact of Gene Flow

Gene flow involves the movement of genes between populations through migration or interbreeding, increasing genetic diversity between populations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Founder's Effect (another view)

The genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals separates from a larger one to form a new colony.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Limited Genetic Variation

The genetic diversity of the new population is limited by the alleles carried by the founders.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Genetic Drift

Random fluctuation of allele frequencies in a population due to chance events. It is especially significant in small populations, where random changes can have a large impact on the genetic makeup, leading to the loss of some alleles and the fixation of others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mutation

Random changes in an organism's DNA that create new alleles. These new alleles may provide new traits that can be acted upon by natural selection. Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation in a population.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-Random Mating

Individuals are more likely to mate with others who have similar traits (assortative mating) or traits that are advantageous for reproduction. It can influence allele frequencies in the population and affect genetic diversity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Difference between Gene Flow and Founder's Effect

The difference between gene flow and the founder's effect lies in the movement of individuals and how genetic variation is affected in a population. Gene flow introduces new alleles from other populations, while the founder's effect reduces genetic diversity due to the limited gene pool of a new population.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evolution and Perfection

Evolution is not about creating perfect organisms, but rather about organisms becoming well-suited to their environment at a particular time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biogeography

The study of how species are distributed geographically, often revealing relationships between similar species in close proximity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Molecular Biology and Evolution

Genetic similarities among species serve as direct evidence of evolutionary relationships, allowing scientists to quantify the degree of relatedness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Direct Observation of Evolution

The process of observing evolutionary changes in real time, often seen in species with short lifespans.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Comparative Anatomy

The study of the similarities and differences in the structures of organisms, providing insights into evolutionary relationships.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Embryology

The study of how organisms develop from embryos, revealing shared ancestry through similarities in early development.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fossil Evidence

The preserved remains of ancient organisms, providing direct evidence of past life and evolutionary changes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Divergent Evolution

Process where two or more related species become more different over time, due to adapting to different environments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Convergent Evolution

The evolution of similar traits in unrelated species due to adapting to similar environments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vestigial Structures

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Common Embryonic Features

Shared developmental features in embryos of different vertebrates, reflecting their common ancestry.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Molecular Biology Data

Comparing molecular data (DNA, proteins) between organisms, especially those with dissimilar physical features.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is Embryology?

Study of early developmental patterns in embryos from different species.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is used to compare species in molecular biology?

Molecular data, such as DNA and protein sequences, are used to compare the species.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why is the fossil record incomplete?

Fossilization is a rare event, and geological processes like erosion and plate tectonics can destroy fossils. Additionally, some organisms or environments are more likely to leave fossils behind than others (e.g., hard-bodied organisms in wet, low-lying areas).

Signup and view all the flashcards

What's the difference between relative and absolute dating of fossils?

Relative dating compares the age of fossils based on their position in layers of rock. Deeper layers are assumed to be older than shallower layers. Absolute dating uses techniques like radiometric dating to determine the actual age of fossils by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is half life?

Half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a different element or isotope. It's a constant rate for each element, and it's used to determine the age of fossils and rocks.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are transitional fossils?

Transitional fossils provide evidence of evolutionary change by showing intermediate characteristics between two different groups. They help us trace the path of evolution as species adapt over time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are index fossils?

Index fossils are fossils from well-known species that lived for a relatively short period of time, making them useful for dating rock layers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Evolution: History and Mechanisms

  • Evolution is the process of change in species over time, arising from variations in traits that offer advantages for survival and reproduction in different environments
  • Darwin's book "On the Origin of Species" (1859) presented the theory of evolution by natural selection, where species change over time via differential survival and reproduction of advantageous traits
  • Darwin's theory was influenced by numerous discoveries and scientists: geologists (Hutton, Lyell) on the immense age of the Earth; artificial selection (Bakewell); population growth (Malthus); taxonomy (Linnaeus); anatomical studies (Owen); and embryology (von Baer)
  • Evolutionarily fit organisms have traits that enhance survival and reproduction, passing those traits to future generations. Fitness relates to an organism's capability to produce offspring who survive and reproduce.

Natural Selection

  • Variation: traits within populations vary, inheritable
  • Overproduction: more offspring are created than can be supported by available resources
  • Competition: limited resources cause competition for survival
  • Differential reproduction: organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully
  • Adaptation: traits favorable for survival and reproduction become more common, leading to adaptations to the environment

Types of Natural Selection

  • Directional Selection: favors one extreme trait value (e.g. larger beak size)
  • Disruptive Selection: favors both extreme trait values, selecting against the middle (e.g. small and large beak sizes)
  • Stabilizing Selection: favors average traits. reduces extremes (e.g., average birth weight in humans)

Artificial Selection

  • Humans intentionally select organisms with desirable traits for breeding, leading to rapid changes over generations
  • Example: Dog breeding, crop improvement

Sexual Selection

  • Natural selection where traits improve an individual's mate attraction are favored. Success in mating is emphasized
  • Traits are not always beneficial for survival

Mechanisms of Evolution

  • Natural Selection: individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more, passing these traits
  • Genetic Drift: random changes in allele frequencies, impacting small populations more
  • Gene Flow (Migration): introducing new alleles into a population through mating with another population
  • Mutation: random changes in DNA sequence, creating new alleles
  • Nonrandom Mating: preference for specific traits in mate choice

Evidence for Evolution

  • Fossil Evidence: shows how species have changed over time
  • Comparative Anatomy: studies similarities and differences in body structures (homologous/analogous structures)
  • Embryology: similar developmental stages suggest common ancestry
  • Molecular Biology (genetics): DNA sequences show evolutionary relationships
  • Biogeography: species distribution reflects evolutionary history and adaptation to different environments
  • Direct Observation: observing evolutionary processes in organisms (e.g., antibiotic resistance)

Fossil Record

  • Incomplete due to fossilization rarity, destruction by geological processes, bias in fossil preservation
  • Relative dating: arranges fossils based on rock layer position
  • Absolute dating: determines the actual age of fossil via radiometric dating (measuring radioactive isotopes)

Transitional Fossils

  • Show intermediate characteristics between different groups, demonstrating evolutionary change
  • Archaeopteryx, Tiktaalik

Index Fossils

  • Fossils with wide geographic distribution, used to date rock layers and establish relative ages
  • Trilobites, Ammonites

Biogeography

  • Study of species distribution and how it relates to environmental factors, evolutionary history, and continental drift
  • Patterns of species distribution suggest evolutionary relationships

Comparative Anatomy

  • Studies similarities and differences in body structures
  • Homologous structures: similarities in structures due to shared ancestry, different functions (limbs of vertebrates)
  • Analogous structures: similar functions but different evolutionary origins (wings of birds and insects)

Macroevolution vs Microevolution

  • Macroevolution = large-scale evolutionary changes, leading to new species and higher taxonomic groups
  • Microevolution = small-scale changes within populations (e.g., changes in allele frequencies)

Vestigial Structures

  • Body parts with reduced function but remnants from ancestral species (e.g., human appendix)

Homeotic/Housekeeping Genes

  • Homeotic genes control body development
  • Housekeeping genes control basic metabolic functions, shared by different species, supporting common ancestry

Studying That Suits You

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

Quiz Team

Related Documents

BIO 101 Study Guide Part 1 PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the principles of natural selection, including directional, disruptive, and stabilizing selection. This quiz covers key concepts, evidence for evolution, and specific examples such as the evolution of the peppered moths. Challenge yourself with scenarios and learn more about biogeography and genetic relationships.

More Like This

Evolution Chapter: Natural Selection
10 questions

Evolution Chapter: Natural Selection

LikableDiscernment avatar
LikableDiscernment
Natural Selection and Evolution Concepts
19 questions

Natural Selection and Evolution Concepts

WellRunHydrogen avatar
WellRunHydrogen
Evolution: Natural Selection Quiz
11 questions

Evolution: Natural Selection Quiz

RevolutionaryDulcimer avatar
RevolutionaryDulcimer
Evolution and Natural Selection Theory (B5)
32 questions

Evolution and Natural Selection Theory (B5)

SpontaneousJaguar avatar
SpontaneousJaguar
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser