Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a key feature used to identify an adaptation?
Which of the following is NOT a key feature used to identify an adaptation?
- The trait arose recently due to genetic drift. (correct)
- The trait is functional.
- The trait is heritable.
- The trait increases fitness.
Vestigial structures are considered adaptations.
Vestigial structures are considered adaptations.
False (B)
Define 'adaptation' in the context of evolutionary biology.
Define 'adaptation' in the context of evolutionary biology.
Adaptation is a heritable trait that enhances the survival and reproduction of an organism in a specific environment, arising when its current function arose.
A trait that initially evolved for one purpose but later becomes useful for a different function is known as an ______.
A trait that initially evolved for one purpose but later becomes useful for a different function is known as an ______.
A scientist is studying a population of plants and observes that individuals with larger root systems are more likely to survive droughts. To determine if this is an adaptation, the scientist should primarily investigate whether:
A scientist is studying a population of plants and observes that individuals with larger root systems are more likely to survive droughts. To determine if this is an adaptation, the scientist should primarily investigate whether:
Which concept describes a trait that initially evolved for one purpose but later becomes useful for another?
Which concept describes a trait that initially evolved for one purpose but later becomes useful for another?
Adaptation always guarantees increased persistence of a population in any environment.
Adaptation always guarantees increased persistence of a population in any environment.
Name one of the two paleontologists mentioned who contributed to the understanding of adaptation and evolution.
Name one of the two paleontologists mentioned who contributed to the understanding of adaptation and evolution.
The three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a subject of study for understanding adaptive behaviour in different ______.
The three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a subject of study for understanding adaptive behaviour in different ______.
Match the following scientists with their primary area of study related to animal behavior:
Match the following scientists with their primary area of study related to animal behavior:
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates how behavior can be used to understand adaptation?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates how behavior can be used to understand adaptation?
Adaptive change is always necessary for a population to persist in a novel environment.
Adaptive change is always necessary for a population to persist in a novel environment.
What does the study of animals like the Northern Quoll and the Torresian Crow contribute to understanding about adaptation?
What does the study of animals like the Northern Quoll and the Torresian Crow contribute to understanding about adaptation?
Flashcards
Adaptation
Adaptation
A trait that is heritable, functional, and increases fitness. It also arose when the current function arose.
Vestigial Structure
Vestigial Structure
A structure or trait that has lost its original function over the course of evolution.
Exaptation
Exaptation
A trait that currently serves a function different from its original function; a trait evolved for a different purpose that was later co-opted.
Fitness
Fitness
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Heritable Trait
Heritable Trait
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Pre-adaptation
Pre-adaptation
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Behavior & Adaptation
Behavior & Adaptation
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Three-Spined Stickleback
Three-Spined Stickleback
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Adaptive Change
Adaptive Change
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Persistence w/o Change
Persistence w/o Change
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Non-Adaptive Change
Non-Adaptive Change
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Adaptation != Persistence
Adaptation != Persistence
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Study Notes
- The lecture explores the mechanisms of adaptation to a changing world, focusing on understanding adaptation and its key features
- The Pink Katydids of Sabah are used as an example
- They are from the Order Orthoptera, Family Tettigoniidae (bush crickets), and Genus Eulophophyllum
- The learning objectives include the following:
- To define adaptation
- To be able to recognize adaptations based on key features
- To know the difference between adaptation and exaptation
- To understand the links between adaptation and persistence
- The creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is an example of a plant that is very well adapted
- Key features of an adaptation include the following
- The trait is heritable
- The treat is functional
- The trait increases fitness
- The trait arose when the current function arose
- Vestigial structures are not adaptations
- Exaptations are also called pre-adaptations
- Examples of individuals who contributed to the theory of pre-adaptation include:
- Stephen Jay Gould (1941-2022)
- Elisabeth Vrba (1942-)
- Behavior is a means to understand adaptation
- Examples of organisms with adaptive traits:
- Three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
- Northern Quoll (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
- Torresian Crow (Corvus orru)
- Individuals who contributed to the study of behavior include:
- Niko Tinbergen (1907-1988), biologist and ornithologist
- Konrad Lorenz (1903-1989), zoologist and ethologist
- The following topics are also discussed:
- Adaptive behavioral change,
- Population persistence in novel environments without adaptive change
- Not all changes occur in an adaptive direction
- Whether adaptation always enhances persistence
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