Genetics Darwinian Evolution

• What are the main aims of the study material on evolution and natural selection?

  History of evolutionary theories, natural selection, generation of variability, populations, and speciation
• Who is associated with the concept of natural theology?

  Natural theology is associated with early evolutionary theories
• Who was Aristotle and what was his contribution to evolutionary theory?

  Aristotle (384 - 322 BC) proposed the scale of nature
• What is Carolus Linnaeus known for?

  He is known for developing taxonomy
• What is the scientific classification for humans?

  Homo sapiens
• What theory did James Hutton and Charles Lyell develop?

  They developed the theory of Gradualism
• How does the fossil record support the theory of gradualism?

  It shows gradual changes observed in fossils over time
• Who developed the first major theory of evolution?

  Jean Baptiste Lamarck
• What was Lamarck's idea about how organisms adapt to their environment?

  He believed changes in individuals were passed on from generation to generation
• What part of Lamarck's theory was incorrect?

  Changes in individuals were not passed on from generation to generation
• What significant work did Charles Darwin publish?

  “Origin of Species”
• What data did Darwin use to support his theory of natural selection?

  Data collected from his trip on the HMS Beagle
• What are Darwin's finches an example of?

  They are an example of species evolving from a common ancestor

  
• What are the three principles of Darwin's theory of natural selection?

  Principle of Variation, Principle of Heredity, Principle of Selection
• What does the Principle of Variation state?

  It states there is inherent variability in a population
• What does the Principle of Heredity indicate?

  Variation is passed down through generations
• What does the Principle of Selection imply?

  Some individuals have a greater capacity to survive or reproduce
• What is biogeography in the context of evidence for natural selection?

  It refers to the adaptation of organisms to their environment
• How does the fossil record serve as evidence for natural selection?

  It shows the formation of new species over time
• What does comparative anatomy reveal about evolution?

  It shows that species evolve from common structures
• What does comparative embryology indicate?

  It shows common developmental structures among different species
• What does DNA sequence similarity suggest about species?

  It shows common origins among species
• What percentage of DNA do humans share with chimpanzees?

  98%
• What percentage of DNA do humans share with dogs?

  85%
• What is genetic polymorphism?

  Changes to the DNA sequence
• What is phenotypic polymorphism?

  Changes in the appearance or measurable characteristics
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype refers to the DNA sequence, while phenotype refers to function or appearance
• What is gene mutation?

  Changes in DNA sequence in single or multiple genes
• What is chromosome mutation?

  Changes in the number of chromosomes
• What is recombination in the context of genetic variation?

  New arrangements caused by sexual reproduction
• What defines a species?

  All members of the same species can interbreed
• What defines a population?

  A group of organisms within the same species that can interbreed
• What is meant by selective pressure?

  Factors that cause competition among organisms
• What is an example of selective pressure related to evasion of predators?

  The Peppered moth (Biston betularia)
• What is an example of selective pressure related to competition for food?

  The Giraffe
• What is an example of selective pressure related to resistance to disease?

  African cattle being more resistant to sleeping sickness than European cattle
• What is an example of selective pressure related to metabolic fitness?

  Micro-organisms adapting to a wide range of food sources
• What is an example of sexual selection?

  All types of mating displays
• What is an example of resistance to toxins or drugs?

  Antibiotic resistance in bacteria in hospitals
• What is artificial selection?

  Humans deliberately selecting animals and plants for specific traits