Evolutionary Change and Microevolution

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Questions and Answers

What role do genetic variations play in the process of evolution?

They make evolution possible. (correct)

They only affect individuals, not populations.

They hinder evolutionary change.

They eliminate the need for gene pools.

Which mechanism of microevolution is associated with the introduction of new alleles due to random DNA changes?

Natural selection

Gene flow

Mutation (correct)

Genetic drift

How does gene flow contribute to microevolution?

It results from random mating within a population.

It isolates populations, preventing any allele movement.

It causes mutations that directly change allele frequencies.

It involves the movement of alleles between different populations. (correct)

What is a consequence of a change in allele frequency in a population's gene pool?

It signifies the occurrence of microevolution. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the concept of antibiotic resistance related to evolution?

Bacteria that undergo mutation and survive treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of inbreeding in a population?

Reduced genetic variability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the founder effect?

Alteration in genetic diversity when a small subset establishes a new population Signup and view all the answers

How do preferred phenotypes influence mating behavior in animals?

They result in mates being selected based on specific traits Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of genetic drift in small populations?

Change in allele frequency due to chance events Signup and view all the answers

What effect does reduced genetic variability from inbreeding have on a population?

It decreases the overall fitness of the population Signup and view all the answers

How does the visibility of green beetles affect their population in the presence of predators?

Visible green beetles are more likely to be eaten by predators. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor contributing to the increase in the brown beetle population over time?

Brown beetles are better at blending into the environment than green beetles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the bottleneck effect illustrate concerning population genetics?

A small surviving population may not represent the genetic diversity of the original group. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of natural selection, what can be inferred about the adaptation of the beetles over time?

Natural selection favors those beetles that can best avoid predation. Signup and view all the answers

What likely happens to the green beetle population when predators become more adept at spotting them?

The green beetle population decreases as they become easier targets. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Factors Causing Evolutionary Change

Genetic variations are essential for evolution
Individuals evolve, not populations
Evolutionary biologists study changes in allele frequencies over time (Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium)
Gene pool includes all alleles in a population

Microevolution

Microevolution occurs when allele frequencies change within a population
Five mechanisms cause these changes:
- Mutation
- Gene flow
- Nonrandom mating
- Genetic drift
- Natural selection

Mutation

Randomly introduces new alleles into individuals
If the allele is passed on, allele frequencies in the gene pool change
Example: antibiotic resistance in bacteria

Gene Flow

Movement of alleles between different populations
Results from the migration of individuals
Brings new alleles into the gene pool

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Description

This quiz covers the key concepts of evolutionary change and microevolution, focusing on genetic variations, mechanisms affecting allele frequencies, and the role of mutation and gene flow. Test your understanding of how these factors contribute to the evolution of populations over time.