Podcast
Questions and Answers
What significant contribution did Gregor Johann Mendel make to the understanding of inheritance?
What significant contribution did Gregor Johann Mendel make to the understanding of inheritance?
Which of the following accurately describes Classic Darwinism?
Which of the following accurately describes Classic Darwinism?
How do changes in organisms differ between viruses and mammals?
How do changes in organisms differ between viruses and mammals?
What is a key component of the Modern Synthesis or Neo-Darwinism?
What is a key component of the Modern Synthesis or Neo-Darwinism?
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Which theory explains evolutionary dynamics by considering kin relationships?
Which theory explains evolutionary dynamics by considering kin relationships?
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Which of the following describes a feature of Mendel's experiment with garden peas?
Which of the following describes a feature of Mendel's experiment with garden peas?
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What aspect of evolution is emphasized by cultural selection theories?
What aspect of evolution is emphasized by cultural selection theories?
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Which of the following concepts does not belong to the Integrated Synthesis of evolutionary theories?
Which of the following concepts does not belong to the Integrated Synthesis of evolutionary theories?
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What is the role of favorable variations in the process of natural selection?
What is the role of favorable variations in the process of natural selection?
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What does 'fitness' refer to in evolutionary sciences?
What does 'fitness' refer to in evolutionary sciences?
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How does sexual selection differ from natural selection?
How does sexual selection differ from natural selection?
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What kind of traits might be favored by sexual selection?
What kind of traits might be favored by sexual selection?
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What is the significance of inheritance in the context of natural selection?
What is the significance of inheritance in the context of natural selection?
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What do ground finches and warbler finches illustrate about adaptation?
What do ground finches and warbler finches illustrate about adaptation?
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What is a key component of differential reproduction success in natural selection?
What is a key component of differential reproduction success in natural selection?
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What is the outcome of repeated natural selection over generations?
What is the outcome of repeated natural selection over generations?
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What was Jean Baptiste Lamarck’s belief regarding the progression of organisms?
What was Jean Baptiste Lamarck’s belief regarding the progression of organisms?
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What concept did Léopold Chrétien Frédérick Dagobert Cuvier propose?
What concept did Léopold Chrétien Frédérick Dagobert Cuvier propose?
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What significant observation did Charles Darwin make about Galápagos finches?
What significant observation did Charles Darwin make about Galápagos finches?
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What conclusion did Darwin reach about species over time?
What conclusion did Darwin reach about species over time?
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Which theory is associated with Charles Darwin's observations during his travels?
Which theory is associated with Charles Darwin's observations during his travels?
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What was one of the key factors that caused the finches to evolve differently on different islands?
What was one of the key factors that caused the finches to evolve differently on different islands?
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At what stage of his life did Charles Darwin embark on the journey of the HMS Beagle?
At what stage of his life did Charles Darwin embark on the journey of the HMS Beagle?
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How did Darwin's observations challenge prior beliefs about species?
How did Darwin's observations challenge prior beliefs about species?
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What is one key issue raised by Williams regarding group selection?
What is one key issue raised by Williams regarding group selection?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the criteria established by George C.Williams for characteristics to be considered adaptations?
Which of the following is NOT one of the criteria established by George C.Williams for characteristics to be considered adaptations?
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In the context of adaptations, what does the term 'efficiency' refer to?
In the context of adaptations, what does the term 'efficiency' refer to?
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According to the Theory of Parental Investment, which statement is accurate?
According to the Theory of Parental Investment, which statement is accurate?
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Which of the following best describes 'reciprocal altruism' as defined by Robert Trivers?
Which of the following best describes 'reciprocal altruism' as defined by Robert Trivers?
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What does the concept of 'parent-offspring conflict' entail?
What does the concept of 'parent-offspring conflict' entail?
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In the context of fitness and evolution, why are characteristics deemed too functional to arise from mere chance significant?
In the context of fitness and evolution, why are characteristics deemed too functional to arise from mere chance significant?
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What do altruistic organisms face in terms of survival, according to Williams's view?
What do altruistic organisms face in terms of survival, according to Williams's view?
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Study Notes
Assessments Overview
- Class Participation accounts for 20% of the overall grade, involving weekly discussions.
- Discussion Questions contribute 10% to the total marks.
- Mid-Term exams make up 30% of the assessment.
- Final exams carry 40% weight towards the final score.
Pre-Darwinian Concepts of Evolution
- Jean Baptiste Lamarck theorized that organisms evolve towards higher forms through inheritance of acquired characteristics.
- Léopold Chrétien Frédéric Cuvier proposed Catastrophism, suggesting species are periodically wiped out by catastrophes and replaced by new species.
Charles Darwin and HMS Beagle
- Darwin traveled on the HMS Beagle at age 22, collecting specimens, notably from the Galápagos Islands.
- He discovered significant variations among Galápagos finches, leading him to identify them as distinct species.
- This observation contributed to the formulation of the Theory of Natural Selection.
Key Observations of Darwin
- Darwin concluded that species are not immutable; they can change over time influenced by local ecological conditions.
- The concept of "The Struggle for Existence" highlights that species must compete for survival, leading to the preservation of favorable traits.
Theory of Natural Selection
- Variation within organisms is multi-dimensional, covering structural, anatomical, cellular, and behavioral traits.
- Inheritance refers to the reliable passing down of attributes across generations.
- Selection occurs through differential reproductive success; organisms with beneficial traits reproduce more effectively, impacting evolutionary fitness.
Sexual Selection vs. Natural Selection
- Sexual Selection accounts for traits that enhance mating success but may not provide survival benefits, like the plumage of male peacocks.
- Sexual traits may evolve rapidly, influenced by species complexity.
Darwinism Evolution
- Classic Darwinism includes Variation, Inheritance, and Selection.
- Modern Synthesis (Neo-Darwinism) integrates Mendelian genetics and various theories, including inclusive-fitness and kin selection.
Mendelian Genetics
- Gregor Mendel's experiments from 1856-1863 on garden peas established the basics of hereditary genetics.
- He identified concepts of hereditary traits (genes) and formulated laws of inheritance.
Adaptation and Its Criteria
- Adaptations are solutions evolved in response to specific reproductive challenges.
- Established criteria for adaptations include:
- Reliability: Mechanism's consistent occurrence across environments.
- Efficiency: Effectiveness in solving adaptive problems.
- Economy: Low cost to the organism for achieving adaptive advantages.
Robert Trivers' Seminal Theories
- Theory of Reciprocal Altruism (1971): Altruistic behaviors benefit unrelated individuals at a personal cost.
- Parental Investment Theory (1972): The sex investing more in offspring is more selective in mate choice.
- Parent-Offspring Conflict Theory (1974): Resources dedicated to one offspring cannot be used for others, creating tension in parental investment.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the assessment criteria for the Evolutionary Psychology course at Singapore Management University. Key components include class participation, discussion questions, mid-terms, and finals, each weighted differently. Evaluate understanding and contributions to the course material.