Questions and Answers
What is a pattern of evolution in which several closely related, yet different, species evolve from one common ancestor in order to adapt to different environmental pressures?
adaptive radiation
What term describes being related or showing a close similarity?
analogous
What is the term for a pattern of evolution in which two species evolve in relation to each other?
coevolution
What pattern of evolution involves similar characteristics evolving between two unrelated species due to their adaptation to similar environments?
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What is the term for a pattern of evolution in which very different species evolve from one common ancestor due to their adaptation to different environmental pressures?
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What evolutionary theory states that a species evolves by consistent, small steps?
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What evolutionary theory states that a species evolves in spurts of rapid change followed by periods of no change?
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If the frequency of the p allele is 0.63 in the population then what is the frequency of the q allele?
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What will happen to the frequency of the q allele if the frequency of the p allele has gone down?
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What do all of the alleles of a specific gene in a population make up?
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What did Darwin believe about the various species of finches on the Galapagos Islands?
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Which pattern of evolution explains why sharks and dolphins have similar characteristics despite being different types of animals?
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What pattern of evolution do horses, zebras, and donkeys illustrate by having evolved from one common ancestor?
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What term describes the evolutionary relationship between Latin-American hummingbirds and the flowers they pollinate?
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Instead of using a family tree, scientists use a(n) _____ tree to track the evolutionary history of a species.
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Study Notes
Evolutionary Patterns
- Adaptive Radiation: A process where multiple closely related species evolve from a common ancestor to adapt to various environmental pressures.
- Analogous: Indicates similarity or relatedness between different species or traits.
- Coevolution: The evolution of two species that influence each other's traits or behaviors through reciprocal adaptations.
- Convergent Evolution: The development of similar traits in unrelated species that adapt to analogous environments.
- Divergent Evolution: The evolution of diverse species from a common ancestor due to adaptation to different environments.
Evolutionary Theories
- Gradualism: A theory proposing that evolution occurs through slow, continuous change over long time scales.
- Punctuated Equilibrium: A theory suggesting that speciation occurs rapidly, followed by long periods of stability with little change.
Allele Frequencies in Population Genetics
- Calculating allele frequencies is essential for understanding population genetics and evolution.
- In a population where the frequency of the p allele is .63, the calculated frequency of the q allele is .37.
Environmental Impact on Allele Frequencies
- Changes in the environment affecting the frequency of one allele (p) can influence the frequency of another allele (q).
- If the p allele decreases in frequency, the q allele is likely to increase.
Genetic Foundations
- Gene Pool: The complete set of alleles present in a population, important for understanding genetic diversity and evolutionary potential.
Case Studies in Evolution
- Darwin’s Finches: Illustrates adaptive radiation, where various finch species evolved from one common ancestor due to differing environmental conditions in the Galapagos Islands.
- Shark and Dolphin: Demonstrates convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits (e.g., streamlined bodies) due to similar environmental challenges.
- Horses, Zebras, Donkeys: An example of divergent evolution as these species evolved from a common ancestor and adapted to different environments over time.
- Hummingbirds and Flowers: Showcases coevolution, where the adaptation of hummingbirds to pollinate long-curved flowers reflects reciprocal evolutionary influences.
Evolution Tracking
- Phylogenetic Tree: A diagram used by scientists to represent the evolutionary history and relationships among species, differing from traditional family trees by focusing on evolutionary lineage.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the various patterns of evolution with these flashcards. This quiz covers key concepts such as adaptive radiation, convergent evolution, and more, helping you understand how species evolve in response to their environments. Ideal for biology students looking to reinforce their learning.
