Zoology Lecture 1: The Science Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which theory explains that all living organisms change over time?

Stabilizing selection

Natural selection (correct)

Cultural evolution

Common descent

What is indicated by the fossil record regarding evolutionary trends?

It demonstrates complete representation of all species.

It provides evidence of changes in anatomical features. (correct)

It confirms that humans have no relation to other species.

It shows that species do not evolve.

What does the theory of common descent suggest about the relationships among living forms?

Humans are unrelated to other living forms.

All species originated independently from one another.

Extinction leads to the formation of new species.

Species descend from a common ancestor. (correct)

Which of the following concepts relates to finding similarities and common features among animals due to common ancestry?

Homology Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge regarding the fossil record?

It is consistently biased or incomplete across many groups. Signup and view all the answers

What do homologies indicate about organisms?

They share a common ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

What does a cladogram represent in biology?

A branching diagram of evolutionary relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between homologies and analogies?

Homologies are derived from a common ancestor; analogies are not. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evolution results in similarities among organisms that do not share a common ancestor?

Convergent evolution. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes divergent evolution?

It results from a shared common ancestor diverging into different species. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did Lyell contribute to that influenced Darwin's thinking?

Geological Gradualism Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Thomas Malthus's contributions to Darwin's ideas?

Concepts regarding resource limitations Signup and view all the answers

Who coined the term 'biodiversity'?

E.O. Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What method does Zoology primarily use to understand animal diversity?

The scientific method Signup and view all the answers

What were some objections raised against Darwin's theory?

It did not explain the origin of changes and how they are transmitted Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the five theories within Darwin's framework?

Artificial selection Signup and view all the answers

What significant observation did Wallace make in Indonesia?

The drastic change in biodiversity known as 'The Wallace Line' Signup and view all the answers

During which voyage did Charles Darwin gather evidence for his theories?

The Beagle voyage Signup and view all the answers

How did the scientific community react to Darwin's theory?

They had mixed feelings and raised several objections Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains species differences between the mainland and the Galapagos Islands?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

Why was Darwin's idea of a connection between humans and apes considered dangerous?

It was seen as blasphemy against religious beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Mendel's research?

His findings were not recognized until decades later Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Wallace's significant contributions to the field of study?

Biogeography Signup and view all the answers

What major concept did Darwin rely on that emphasizes change over time?

Perpetual change Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'survival of the fittest'?

Species best adapted to the environment survive Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Darwin's research involved studying unique species on islands?

Adaptive radiation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Science of Zoology and Early Naturalists

E.O. Wilson coined "biodiversity," highlighting the variability of life forms and functions in zoology.
The scientific method is central to zoological study, encompassing observation, questioning, hypothesis, prediction, testing, and validation or rejection.
Darwin and Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution by natural selection, also known as "survival of the fittest".

Contributions of Naturalists

Wallace collected insect biodiversity in the Amazon but lost much of his collection.
In Indonesia, Wallace identified significant biodiversity changes, leading to the recognition of the "Wallace Line".
Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle (1831-36) encompassed South America and the Galapagos Islands, where he studied variations such as Darwin's finches.

Influential Theories and Concepts

Geological gradualism, proposed by Lyell, posits that geological features form through gradual processes over millions of years.
Malthus contributed ideas regarding population growth, highlighting limitations due to war and disease.
The proposal of evolution by natural selection faced societal and religious resistance due to its implications about human ancestry and connections to apes.

Objections to Darwin’s Theory

Two major objections arose in the scientific community:
- Lack of explanation for the origin of changes.
- Inadequate description of how changes are inherited, addressed later by Mendel's work on heredity.

Key Theories within Darwin’s Proposal

Five foundational theories underlie Darwin's evolution theory:
- Perpetual change.
- Common descent.
- Multiplication of species.
- Gradualism.
- Natural selection.

Perpetual Change

Living organisms are dynamic and evolve over time.
The fossil record and pesticide resistance are prime examples evidencing perpetual change.
Incomplete or biased fossil records can complicate understanding evolutionary trends.

Common Descent

All living forms (current and extinct) share a common ancestor, framing life as a branching tree.
This theory connects species through shared features and introduces concepts of homologous and analogous structures.
Homologies arise from common ancestors, while analogies stem from independent evolution.

Hierarchical Grouping of Species

Homologous structures allow for exploration of relationships among animal groups.
Cladograms represent a hierarchical organization of groups based on shared characteristics, depicting relatedness and evolutionary lineage.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the introductory concepts of Zoology, including the definition of biodiversity as coined by E.O. Wilson. Explore how early naturalists contributed to our understanding of animal variation in form and function, and learn about the scientific method used in Zoology to make sense of these observations.