Notes on Evolution and Ecology PDF

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Summary

These notes provide an overview of key concepts in evolution and ecology, including natural selection, variation, adaptation, and competition. The notes cover examples, definitions, and mechanisms within these topics.

Full Transcript

notes science Notes on Key Concepts in Evolution and Ecology Natural Selection Definition: A process where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. Key Components: Variation:...

notes science Notes on Key Concepts in Evolution and Ecology Natural Selection Definition: A process where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. Key Components: Variation: Differences in traits among individuals in a population. Heritability: Traits must be heritable to be passed on to the next generation. Differential Survival: Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. Example: Peppered moths changing color during the Industrial Revolution due to pollution. Variation Definition: The differences in physical or behavioral traits among individuals of a species. Sources of Variation: Genetic Mutations: Changes in DNA that can introduce new traits. Environmental Factors: Influences such as climate, food availability, and habitat can affect traits. Importance: Provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon. Adaptation Definition: Traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Types of Adaptations: notes science 1 Structural: Physical features (e.g., beak shape in birds). Behavioral: Actions taken by organisms (e.g., migration patterns). Physiological: Internal processes (e.g., temperature regulation). Example: Cacti have adaptations like thick skin and spines to conserve water in arid environments. Evolution Definition: The change in inherited characteristics of biological populations over generations. Mechanisms of Evolution: Natural Selection Mutation: Random changes in DNA that can introduce new traits. Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations. Gene Flow: Movement of genes between populations through migration. Outcome: Can lead to speciation, where new species arise from existing ones. Artificial Selection Definition: The intentional breeding of organisms by humans for specific traits. Examples: Domesticated animals (e.g., dogs bred for specific behaviors or appearances). Crop plants selected for yield, taste, or disease resistance. Contrast with Natural Selection: Driven by human choice rather than environmental pressures. Competition Definition: The struggle between organisms for limited resources such as food, space, and mates. notes science 2 Types of Competition: Intraspecific Competition: Competition within the same species. Interspecific Competition: Competition between different species. Effects on Populations: Can lead to adaptations, resource partitioning, or changes in population dynamics. Predator-Prey Relationship Definition: An ecological interaction where one organism (the predator) hunts another (the prey). Dynamics of the Relationship: Predators help regulate prey populations, preventing overpopulation. Prey develop adaptations (e.g., camouflage, speed) to evade predators. This relationship can drive co-evolution; as prey evolve defenses, predators may evolve better hunting strategies. Example: Wolves hunting deer; an increase in wolves may lead to a decrease in deer population and vice versa. notes science 3

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