Science as a Process and Theories
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Questions and Answers

What defines an individual as being 'more fit' in the context of natural selection?

  • The relative number of viable offspring produced (correct)
  • The longevity of the individual
  • The individual's strength and size
  • The intelligence of the individual

    • Which statement best describes adaptation?

  • A process where individuals become stronger
  • A heritable trait that decreases fitness
  • A heritable trait that increases relative fitness (correct)
  • A random change in an individual's traits

    • What misconception is commonly associated with the phrase 'survival of the fittest'?

  • It implies all individuals in a population will survive equally
  • It refers solely to the survival of the strongest individuals (correct)
  • It means only the oldest will survive
  • It refers to reproductive success as an essential factor

    • What role do humans play in artificial selection?

    <p>They act as the selecting agents driving evolutionary changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is fitness calculated in the context of natural selection?

    <p>By counting the total number of offspring produced</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it incorrect to assume that all adaptations occur quickly?

    <p>Adaptation is a gradual process that can take time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best explains the concept of natural selection?

    <p>It involves the reproductive success of individuals with favorable traits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of breeding, what advantage does a king salmon producing 100 eggs have over others producing thousands?

    <p>Higher relative fitness compared to others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary result of the modifications in the spinal column and musculature for an upright stance?

    <p>Increased likelihood of chronic problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes an adaptation arising from the modification of an ancestral trait?

    <p>Contrivance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can one determine if an adaptation is truly novel?

    <p>It resembles no previous traits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the number of sets of chromosomes a cell contains?

    <p>Ploidy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'exaptation' refer to?

    <p>A previous trait that becomes useful under new conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is true?

    <p>One is inherited from each parent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of adaptations?

    <p>Completely new traits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of organism is a haploid individual primarily observed?

    <p>Fungi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is responsible for the production of gametes?

    <p>Meiosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between adaptations, contrivances, and exaptations?

    <p>Contrivances and exaptations are types of adaptations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding natural selection and skeletal design?

    <p>Natural selection modifies existing skeletal designs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organisms are typically diploid?

    <p>Most animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a contrivance in evolution?

    <p>The evolution of mammal hair from reptilian scales</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon can occur at the same locus in diploid individuals?

    <p>Allelic dominance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During meiosis, what occurs between homologous pairs?

    <p>Genetic recombination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Alternation of Generations' refer to?

    <p>A life cycle that alternates between haploid and diploid generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main idea of Cell Theory?

    <p>All organisms are made of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ultimately drives the patterns seen in leaf size variations in trees?

    <p>The evolutionary fitness of the trees resulting from selective forces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of life being continuous?

    <p>All cells arise from a single ancestral cell leading back through generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an implication of the study of cell biology in understanding organisms?

    <p>Understanding an organism involves comprehending how its cells function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In evolutionary terms, which statement about heritable traits is correct?

    <p>Heritable traits that help individuals reproduce tend to become more common over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a misconception about cell origin prior to Cell Theory?

    <p>Cells arise from spontaneous generation under certain conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement reflects a common misunderstanding about the connection between evolution and fitness?

    <p>Not all evolutionary changes enhance an organism's fitness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Natural Selection primarily drive in evolutionary theory?

    <p>The heritable change in populations over time grounded in environmental pressures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an exaptation?

    <p>A trait that has evolved into a new function in descendants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between exaptations and contrivances?

    <p>One cannot exist without the other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a vestigial trait from an atavism?

    <p>Vestigial traits are present in all members of a species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes similarities in traits due to inheritance from a common ancestor?

    <p>Homology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can a trait evolve from a contrivance to an exaptation over time?

    <p>It must serve a new function in a different environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic is common in traits exhibiting homoplasy?

    <p>They are caused by convergent evolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might modern reptiles still possess scales despite the evolution of feathers in birds?

    <p>Scales can offer adaptive advantages in different environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary distinction between homology and homoplasy?

    <p>Homology involves traits derived from common ancestors, while homoplasy does not.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment state?

    <p>Traits sort independently from each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a dihybrid cross involving Round (R), Yellow (Y) and Wrinkled (r), Green (y) peas, how many possible phenotypes are typically observed?

    <p>4</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of a Test Cross in Mendelian genetics?

    <p>To identify the genotype of an individual displaying a dominant trait.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected phenotype ratio in the F2 generation of a monohybrid cross producing Round and Wrinkled peas?

    <p>3 Round: 1 Wrinkled</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding genes located on the same chromosome?

    <p>They cannot assort independently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenotype did Morgan observe when crossing a white-eyed male fruit fly with a red-eyed female?

    <p>All offspring had red eyes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If an individual displays a dominant phenotype, how can its genotype be categorized?

    <p>By conducting a Test Cross with a homozygous recessive individual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the reciprocal cross in Morgan's experiment?

    <p>It helped confirm the results of the original cross.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Science as a Process

    • Science involves identifying patterns and asking questions to understand those patterns
    • It focuses on disproving hypotheses to find true answers
    • A theory is a larger concept describing related phenomena

    Theories and Hypotheses

    • Theories are supported by substantial evidence, while hypotheses are statements with less evidence
    • Scientific advancement builds on previous discoveries in a process of testing and refinement
    • A single experiment cannot prove a theory, but a single experiment can disprove it

    Components of Scientific Theories

    • Theories have two main parts: Pattern and Process
    • Pattern describes repetitive observations within a system
    • Process describes the mechanism by which the pattern occurs

    Unifying Themes in Biology

    • Cell Theory: All living organisms are made of cells, and all cells come from pre-existing cells
    • Evolutionary Theory: All life is the product of evolutionary processes, involving heritable changes in populations over time. Natural selection is the primary mechanism.

    Biological Hierarchy

    • A hierarchical framework for organizing life
    • Starting with atoms, molecules, organelles up to biomes and the biosphere
    • Units at one level combine to form the next (e.g., organs form organ systems)
    • Focuses on emergent properties: collective properties greater than the sum of the parts at a lower level

    Evidence for Evolution and Evolutionary Theory

    • Species are related and diverse
    • Species evolve over time (microevolution) and new species are created over long periods (Macroevolution)
    • Fossil record, geographic proximity of similar species, and homologous traits support evolutionary relationships
    • Species diversity and other observations indicate variation within species
    • Adaptations may be compromises due to conflicting selection pressures
    • Evolution is not always progressive toward a more complex or perfect form or adaptation
    • Adaptations are not always beneficial in all environments

    Origin of Species & Darwin's Theory

    • Darwin's theory was influenced by his global observations
    • Variation, heredity, and natural selection are key components of evolution
    • Natural selection explains the development of species traits over time

    Mechanisms of Inheritance & Variation

    • Genes are the primary unit of heredity
    • Mendelian experiments demonstrated that traits are passed down independent of one another
    • Genotype refers to the genetic makeup (genes) while phenotype refers to the observable traits
    • Differences in genotype can result in similar or different phenotypes
    • Sources of variation include mutations, gene segregation, DNA recombination during meiosis, and mutations
    • Variation among organisms is necessary for evolution, enabling the environment to select certain traits

    Case Studies

    • Studies, like those related to fruit flies, help determine the inheritance patterns, sex determination, and the relationship between genes in a species.

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    Description

    Explore the essential concepts of scientific processes, theories, and hypotheses. This quiz covers the relationship between theories and evidence, the components of scientific theories, and unifying themes in biology such as Cell Theory and Evolutionary Theory. Test your understanding of how science contributes to our knowledge of the natural world!

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