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Questions and Answers
How are human fossils classified into species?
How are human fossils classified into species?
by differences in the skeleton.
How does polyploidy cause reproductive isolation?
How does polyploidy cause reproductive isolation?
It alters the number of chromosomes in sex cells.
The nonfunctional wings of an ostrich are an example of what sort of evidence for the theory of common descent?
The nonfunctional wings of an ostrich are an example of what sort of evidence for the theory of common descent?
vestigial structures.
What prevents mules from having offspring?
What prevents mules from having offspring?
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Which of the following is an example of behavioral isolation?
Which of the following is an example of behavioral isolation?
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Red maple tree's seeds are dispersed by the wind. This species of tree can be found in fields, woods, and even wetlands. This is an example of a _____________ distribution.
Red maple tree's seeds are dispersed by the wind. This species of tree can be found in fields, woods, and even wetlands. This is an example of a _____________ distribution.
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Which of the following observations was most influential to Charles Darwin?
Which of the following observations was most influential to Charles Darwin?
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A woman with a college education is more likely to have a large family than a woman with an eighth-grade education.
A woman with a college education is more likely to have a large family than a woman with an eighth-grade education.
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Which of the following levels would contain members that are the most similar?
Which of the following levels would contain members that are the most similar?
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Students studying a population of salamanders in a vernal pool marked each salamander caught as it's entering the pool. After capturing 200 salamanders followed by another 200 the next year, they found 20 were recaptured. They used this information to calculate that they captured ________ of the total population and that the total salamander population in their pool is about ______________.
Students studying a population of salamanders in a vernal pool marked each salamander caught as it's entering the pool. After capturing 200 salamanders followed by another 200 the next year, they found 20 were recaptured. They used this information to calculate that they captured ________ of the total population and that the total salamander population in their pool is about ______________.
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How did the geologist Charles Lyell influence Darwin?
How did the geologist Charles Lyell influence Darwin?
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In 1846, the failure of 'Lumper' potato crops in Ireland was due to
In 1846, the failure of 'Lumper' potato crops in Ireland was due to
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When a population of spotted salamanders in an area of vernal pools remains stable for many years, and the population has stabilized because of resource limits, then
When a population of spotted salamanders in an area of vernal pools remains stable for many years, and the population has stabilized because of resource limits, then
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Which of the following would be most threatened by habitat fragmentation?
Which of the following would be most threatened by habitat fragmentation?
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The Cambrian explosion is a period in Earth's history when what significant event occurred?
The Cambrian explosion is a period in Earth's history when what significant event occurred?
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Which activity could be best considered an example of an ecological study?
Which activity could be best considered an example of an ecological study?
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The role a species plays in an ecosystem is called its
The role a species plays in an ecosystem is called its
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Which of the following describes natural selection?
Which of the following describes natural selection?
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During the 1980s, wolves were introduced to Yellowstone National Park after decades of absence due to attempted extermination in the early part of the 20th century. Within 20 years, not only had the wolf population increased, but there was also a dramatic increase in other species, such as aspen, cottonwood, and willow trees, beavers, warblers, insects, and fish. These changes in Yellowstone Park are examples of how important a(n) ___________ can be to an ecosystem.
During the 1980s, wolves were introduced to Yellowstone National Park after decades of absence due to attempted extermination in the early part of the 20th century. Within 20 years, not only had the wolf population increased, but there was also a dramatic increase in other species, such as aspen, cottonwood, and willow trees, beavers, warblers, insects, and fish. These changes in Yellowstone Park are examples of how important a(n) ___________ can be to an ecosystem.
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Evolution is
Evolution is
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What is an allele?
What is an allele?
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In what way is artificial selection different from natural selection?
In what way is artificial selection different from natural selection?
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Which one of the following shows the steps of speciation in the correct order?
Which one of the following shows the steps of speciation in the correct order?
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The entity most likely to profit when a pharmaceutically important molecule is discovered in a species of rainforest tree is
The entity most likely to profit when a pharmaceutically important molecule is discovered in a species of rainforest tree is
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Which of the following presents the greatest threat to biodiversity?
Which of the following presents the greatest threat to biodiversity?
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According to the most current classifications, which of the following groups is the most different from all the others?
According to the most current classifications, which of the following groups is the most different from all the others?
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There have been ________ mass extinctions experienced on a global scale before the alarming mass extinction that's now occurring.
There have been ________ mass extinctions experienced on a global scale before the alarming mass extinction that's now occurring.
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An organism is described that can live in very high temperature water. This organism is most likely a member of the
An organism is described that can live in very high temperature water. This organism is most likely a member of the
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What is found when alleles among different human groups (races) are analyzed?
What is found when alleles among different human groups (races) are analyzed?
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Ants from the genus Pseudomyrmex live in bull's horn acacia trees, Acacia cornigera. The ants will attack any predators of the tree. In return, the ants live protected in the thorns of the tree and eat the nectar and protein-rich secretions of the tree. This is an example of
Ants from the genus Pseudomyrmex live in bull's horn acacia trees, Acacia cornigera. The ants will attack any predators of the tree. In return, the ants live protected in the thorns of the tree and eat the nectar and protein-rich secretions of the tree. This is an example of
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A postfertilization barrier to reproduction has what result?
A postfertilization barrier to reproduction has what result?
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An owl eating a seed-eating mouse is an example of a
An owl eating a seed-eating mouse is an example of a
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Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, is a beautiful, long-stemmed wetlands species brought to the United States from Europe as an ornamental plant. In the United States, it has no predators and crowds out cattails, Typha latifolia, another wetlands plant that's a valuable resource for many species. Purple loosestrife is an example of
Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, is a beautiful, long-stemmed wetlands species brought to the United States from Europe as an ornamental plant. In the United States, it has no predators and crowds out cattails, Typha latifolia, another wetlands plant that's a valuable resource for many species. Purple loosestrife is an example of
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Of the four hypotheses that explain the origin of modern organisms, which is the one with the least scientific support?
Of the four hypotheses that explain the origin of modern organisms, which is the one with the least scientific support?
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The North Atlantic Right Whale, Eubalaena glacialis, was called the 'right whale' because they were the best whale for early whalers to kill. They have long baleen and lots of blubber and oil. When killed, they could be towed back to land for processing because they float. They once numbered in the millions, but the entire population of the species is now less than 400. The history of the right whale is an example of
The North Atlantic Right Whale, Eubalaena glacialis, was called the 'right whale' because they were the best whale for early whalers to kill. They have long baleen and lots of blubber and oil. When killed, they could be towed back to land for processing because they float. They once numbered in the millions, but the entire population of the species is now less than 400. The history of the right whale is an example of
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The variety of species in an area of interest is called
The variety of species in an area of interest is called
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Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is situated on land that was once a fen, a kind of wetland. The replacement of the fen is an example of
Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is situated on land that was once a fen, a kind of wetland. The replacement of the fen is an example of
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Why might Archaea be more difficult to grow in the lab than Bacteria?
Why might Archaea be more difficult to grow in the lab than Bacteria?
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Taxol is a well-known anticancer chemical. Taxol was obtained from a species of the following group?
Taxol is a well-known anticancer chemical. Taxol was obtained from a species of the following group?
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Many lines of evidence suggest that human populations aren't distinct races. What keeps us so similar even though adaptations to local conditions have occurred?
Many lines of evidence suggest that human populations aren't distinct races. What keeps us so similar even though adaptations to local conditions have occurred?
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When a population grows larger than the carrying capacity, then
When a population grows larger than the carrying capacity, then
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You read that two populations of hyenas are different subspecies. Which of the following would be true of the two populations?
You read that two populations of hyenas are different subspecies. Which of the following would be true of the two populations?
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What causes the disease tuberculosis?
What causes the disease tuberculosis?
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A population has reached carrying capacity of the environment when
A population has reached carrying capacity of the environment when
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Over the past two centuries, the growth of the human population has
Over the past two centuries, the growth of the human population has
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The most important reason that one can see evolution in a population of mosquitoes more easily than one can see evolution in a population of squirrels is because mosquitoes
The most important reason that one can see evolution in a population of mosquitoes more easily than one can see evolution in a population of squirrels is because mosquitoes
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When geographic isolation occurs, under what conditions might you expect the most rapid speciation?
When geographic isolation occurs, under what conditions might you expect the most rapid speciation?
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What would happen if a mutation created a new allele that decreased fitness?
What would happen if a mutation created a new allele that decreased fitness?
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Which of the following lists events in the proper order to reflect how natural selection works in a population of lice that could originally be controlled by permethrin?
Which of the following lists events in the proper order to reflect how natural selection works in a population of lice that could originally be controlled by permethrin?
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Which of the following plants is the most fit?
Which of the following plants is the most fit?
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What is a virus?
What is a virus?
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Cattle egrets hitch a ride on domestic cows and eat insects that are stirred up by their activity. This is an example of
Cattle egrets hitch a ride on domestic cows and eat insects that are stirred up by their activity. This is an example of
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Your friend was diagnosed with strep throat 2 months ago. She was treated with antibiotics for 10 days, but 2 weeks after treatment, the symptoms returned. She was given a different antibiotic and her symptoms improved again, initially, but then got worse. What is happening?
Your friend was diagnosed with strep throat 2 months ago. She was treated with antibiotics for 10 days, but 2 weeks after treatment, the symptoms returned. She was given a different antibiotic and her symptoms improved again, initially, but then got worse. What is happening?
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As the Industrial Revolution took place, there was a decrease in infant mortality, resulting in
As the Industrial Revolution took place, there was a decrease in infant mortality, resulting in
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Why are companies particularly interested in bioprospecting?
Why are companies particularly interested in bioprospecting?
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Which of the following is NOT part of the theory of natural selection?
Which of the following is NOT part of the theory of natural selection?
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Which of these is a true statement about viruses?
Which of these is a true statement about viruses?
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A primary source for new, unique genes in a population is
A primary source for new, unique genes in a population is
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After a rapid change in climate, one population of birds quickly adapts to the change, but others in the area do not. What could you conclude about the quickly adapting population?
After a rapid change in climate, one population of birds quickly adapts to the change, but others in the area do not. What could you conclude about the quickly adapting population?
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Which of the following describes mechanical reproductive isolation?
Which of the following describes mechanical reproductive isolation?
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What is it about macroevolution that people find controversial?
What is it about macroevolution that people find controversial?
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Which of the following occurs after the creation of a new allele?
Which of the following occurs after the creation of a new allele?
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A population of birch trees is present on the side of a mountain and is preyed upon by beetles that burrow into the bark. Which of the following trees would be the most fit?
A population of birch trees is present on the side of a mountain and is preyed upon by beetles that burrow into the bark. Which of the following trees would be the most fit?
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In a population, which individuals are most likely to survive and reproduce?
In a population, which individuals are most likely to survive and reproduce?
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Which of the following experiments would not be considered an ecological study?
Which of the following experiments would not be considered an ecological study?
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Which statement best describes the now-discredited theories of Lamarck?
Which statement best describes the now-discredited theories of Lamarck?
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An organism that is multicellular and makes its own food would be classified in which kingdom?
An organism that is multicellular and makes its own food would be classified in which kingdom?
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One species of plant produces flowers when nights are 10 hours long. A related species comes into flower when nights are 9 hours long. This is an example of
One species of plant produces flowers when nights are 10 hours long. A related species comes into flower when nights are 9 hours long. This is an example of
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When a population of organisms is evolving, what can you be sure is happening?
When a population of organisms is evolving, what can you be sure is happening?
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The eggs released by sponges during reproduction have proteins on their surface that prevent sperm from different species from binding to the eggs. This is an example of
The eggs released by sponges during reproduction have proteins on their surface that prevent sperm from different species from binding to the eggs. This is an example of
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Is it possible to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics?
Is it possible to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics?
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Which of the following must be an assumption of the mark-recapture method?
Which of the following must be an assumption of the mark-recapture method?
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The sudden loss of a ________________ would necessarily cause the loss of most or all of a food web.
The sudden loss of a ________________ would necessarily cause the loss of most or all of a food web.
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What causes the reproductive isolation that can lead to speciation?
What causes the reproductive isolation that can lead to speciation?
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Which of the following is a density-dependent factor?
Which of the following is a density-dependent factor?
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The evenly spaced distribution of stalks of corn planted in an agricultural field is considered
The evenly spaced distribution of stalks of corn planted in an agricultural field is considered
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The current rapid loss of species is considered by many scientists to be another mass extinction. This increase in extinction rate, beyond background extinction, is thought to be due to
The current rapid loss of species is considered by many scientists to be another mass extinction. This increase in extinction rate, beyond background extinction, is thought to be due to
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The hypothesis of punctuated equilibrium suggests that
The hypothesis of punctuated equilibrium suggests that
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Which of the following would be considered bioprospecting?
Which of the following would be considered bioprospecting?
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In what type of population would evolution occur most rapidly?
In what type of population would evolution occur most rapidly?
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Which of the following is an example of microevolution?
Which of the following is an example of microevolution?
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Study Notes
Human Fossils and Species Classification
- Human fossils are classified into species based on skeletal differences.
Polyploidy and Reproductive Isolation
- Polyploidy alters chromosome numbers in sex cells, leading to reproductive isolation.
Vestigial Structures
- Nonfunctional wings of ostriches serve as evidence for the theory of common descent, classified as vestigial structures.
Mule Reproduction
- Mules are infertile and cannot produce eggs or sperm, preventing them from having offspring.
Behavioral Isolation Example
- Female spiders exhibit behavioral isolation by only mating when specific web-tapping behaviors occur from male spiders of the same species.
Distribution of Red Maple Trees
- The wind dispersal of red maple trees' seeds and their presence in various ecosystems exemplifies random distribution.
Darwin's Influences
- Darwin was significantly influenced by observing slight organismal differences on nearby islands.
Education and Family Size
- A college-educated woman is less likely to have a large family compared to one with only an eighth-grade education.
Similarity within Taxonomic Levels
- The genus level contains the most similar members among taxonomic classifications.
Salamander Population Study
- Mark and recapture efforts revealed that a 20 recaptured salamanders indicated a total population of about 2000 in the pool.
Geological Influence on Evolution
- Charles Lyell influenced Darwin's thinking by proposing that gradual changes shape Earth's features.
Inbreeding Depression and Potato Crops
- The 1846 "Lumper" potato crop failure in Ireland was attributed to inbreeding depression.
Population Stability and Carrying Capacity
- A stable population of spotted salamanders indicates that the carrying capacity of their environment has been reached.
Habitat Fragmentation
- Mountain lions are particularly threatened by habitat fragmentation.
Cambrian Explosion
- The Cambrian explosion marked the appearance of multicellular animals in Earth's history.
Ecological Studies
- Ecological studies involve comparing varying environmental conditions, such as water temperature effects on fish egg development.
Niche Definition
- A species' role in its ecosystem is referred to as its niche.
Natural Selection Mechanism
- Natural selection is illustrated through leg length variations in a mammal population adapting to changing environments.
Keystone Species Impact
- The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park exemplifies how keystone species can dramatically affect ecosystem dynamics.
Definition of Evolution
- Evolution occurs through differences in reproductive fitness among individuals.
Allele Definition
- An allele represents a specific version of a gene.
Artificial vs. Natural Selection
- Artificial selection is driven by human preference, while natural selection relies on environmental conditions.
Speciation Steps
- Speciation follows the sequence of geographic isolation, evolutionary changes, and reproductive isolation.
Pharmaceutical Discoveries
- Companies benefit monetarily from discovering pharmaceutically important compounds in species like rainforest trees.
Threats to Biodiversity
- Habitat loss and degradation present the greatest threat to biodiversity.
Current Taxonomic Classifications
- In recent classifications, bacteria are considered the most distinct from other groups.
Mass Extinctions
- Historically, there have been five mass extinctions on a global scale preceding the current alarming extinction rates.
Archaea Characteristics
- Organisms thriving in extreme environments belong to the archaeal domain.
Genetic Diversity across Human Groups
- Analyses reveal no race-specific alleles, demonstrating that human groups share a common genetic background.
Mutualistic Relationships
- Ants and bull's horn acacia trees demonstrate mutualism through protective and nutritional interactions.
Postfertilization Barriers
- These barriers lead to offspring that fail to develop, impacting reproductive success.
Ecological Roles
- Owls acting as secondary consumers exemplify the role of predators in food webs.
Invasive Species
- Purple loosestrife serves as an example of an introduced species that disrupts native species like cattails.
Theories of Organism Origin
- Among hypotheses explaining the origin of modern organisms, the static hypothesis lacks scientific support.
Overexploitation Example
- The North Atlantic Right Whale exemplifies overexploitation, with the population reduced to fewer than 400 individuals.
Biodiversity Definition
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of species in a given area.
Habitat Destruction
- Fenway Park's establishment on previously wetland land exemplifies habitat destruction.
Cultivating Archaea
- Archaea are challenging to grow in labs due to their adaptation to extreme environments.
Taxol Source
- Taxol, an anticancer drug, is sourced from species within the Plantae kingdom.
Human Populations and Interbreeding
- Interbreeding among different human populations keeps genetic variations consistent despite local adaptations.
Carrying Capacity Implications
- When populations exceed carrying capacity, death rates will rise.
Subspecies Fertility
- Variations between hyena populations classified as different subspecies can still produce fertile offspring.
Tuberculosis Causation
- Tuberculosis results from infection by a specific type of bacteria.
Environmental Support Limits
- A population reaches carrying capacity when the environment cannot sustain further growth.
Human Population Trends
- The last two centuries have seen exponential growth in human populations.
Evolution Observation in Mosquitoes
- Quick evolutionary changes in mosquitoes are easier to observe than in other animals due to shorter generation times.
Speciation and Isolation
- Rapid speciation following geographic isolation typically occurs when climates differ significantly between locations.
Mutation Effects on Alleles
- A new allele that reduces fitness will likely result in fewer offspring for the individual that possesses it.
Natural Selection in Lice
- The sequence of events reflecting natural selection in lice involves resistance development to permethrin after exposure.
Contextual Fitness in Plants
- Determining plant fitness requires context regarding its environment.
Virus Characteristics
- Viruses are defined as non-living particles that utilize host cells for replication.
Commensalism
- Cattle egrets benefiting from riding on cows exemplify the relationship of commensalism.
Antibiotic Resistance
- Post-treatment, your friend's reinfection suggests the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Population Mark-Recapture Assumptions
- A key assumption in the mark-recapture method is minimal migration of individuals in and out of the study area.
Keystone Species and Food Webs
- The sudden loss of a keystone species can lead to extensive disruption of food webs.
Speciation and Fertility
- Reproductive isolation leading to speciation occurs when groups cannot produce fertile offspring.
Density-dependent Factors
- An increase in waste production serves as a density-dependent factor affecting population dynamics.
Uniform Distribution in Agriculture
- The arranged planting of corn stalks represents a uniform distribution pattern.
Current Extinction Rates
- Many scientists link rapid species loss to human population growth and associated habitat changes.
Punctuated Equilibrium Hypothesis
- Punctuated equilibrium suggests rapid evolutionary changes are interspersed with prolonged periods of stability.
Bioprospecting Activities
- Investigating earthworm skin for antibacterial traits is an example of bioprospecting.
Rapid Evolution Scenarios
- Small populations with limited gene pools exhibit rapid evolution.
Microevolution Case Study
- Resistance of HIV to antiviral treatments exemplifies microevolutionary processes.
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