Evolution and Natural Selection

• What is the primary reason for biological diversity?

  Variations in populations help with survival and reproduction
• Why do similarities and differences exist across lineages?

  Due to variations that affect survival and reproduction
• What does the concept of "Populations Vary" imply in evolution?

  • Populations exhibit variations
  • Some variations enhance survival
  • Variations can affect reproductive success
• What is MRSA?

  A strain of bacteria that requires few mutations to develop resistance
• What is the definition of evolution?

  • A change in heritable characteristics
  • Occurs within a population
  • Happens across generations
• Who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection?

  Charles Darwin
• What is meant by "descent with modification" in evolution?

  Lineages share a common ancestor and change over time
• How did Darwin's observations during his voyage contribute to his theory?

  He compared species around the world to understand variations
• What are the key components of natural selection?

  • Changes in genetic variation
  • Differences in survival and reproduction
  • Fitness: ability to survive and reproduce
• What does "fitness" refer to in the context of natural selection?

  The ability to survive and reproduce
• What is "balancing selection" in natural selection?

  A process that maintains harmful alleles in a population
• How does heterozygote advantage relate to natural selection?

  Heterozygotes can resist both harmful effects of recessive and dominant alleles
• What are the questions regarding natural selection that need to be considered?

  • What does a population require for selection?
  • How is selection related to survival?
  • Is natural selection random?
  • Does natural selection lead to specific outcomes?
  • Does natural selection always change populations?
  • Does natural selection reduce harmful mutations?
• What is required for "selection" to occur in a population?

  Variation within the population
• Is natural selection a random process? Why or why not?

  No, it is based on differences in survival and reproduction
• Does natural selection lead to a specific goal or outcome? Why or why not?

  No, it does not have a predetermined outcome
• Does natural selection always cause populations to change? Why or why not?

  No, it depends on the environmental context and variations
• Does natural selection always reduce harmful mutations? Why or why not?

  No, some harmful alleles can persist in populations