evolution + ecology

• What is genetic diversity?

  The number of different alleles in a population
• Why is genetic diversity important for natural selection?

  It allows for variation in traits for selection
• What is the end result of natural selection?

  Evolution
• What does evolution refer to in the context of natural selection?

  Change in allele frequency over generations
• How does antibiotic resistance in bacteria illustrate natural selection?

  Resistance alleles increase in frequency over generations
• What happens to allele frequency after natural selection?

  It changes, favoring advantageous alleles
• What are the three types of adaptations?

  Anatomical, physiological, and behavioral
• What does anatomical adaptation refer to?

  Structural features of an organism
• What is physiological adaptation related to?

  Chemical reactions within the organism's body
• What does behavioral adaptation involve?

  How an organism behaves to survive
• What is the process of natural selection?

  1. Genetic diversity exists in a population.
  2. New alleles arise from random mutations.
  3. Advantageous alleles increase survival chances.
  4. Individuals with advantageous traits reproduce more.
  5. Over generations, allele frequency changes.
• How does fur color in mice demonstrate natural selection?

  Dark fur provides a selective advantage
• How does eyesight in owls relate to natural selection?

  Good eyesight increases hunting success
• What are the two types of natural selection?

  1. Directional selection

  • One extreme trait has a selective advantage.
  • Occurs with environmental changes.

  1. Stabilizing selection

  • The modal trait remains advantageous.
  • No change in the environment.
• What is directional selection?

  When one extreme trait has a selective advantage
• What is stabilizing selection?

  The modal trait remains the most common
• How does human birth weight illustrate stabilizing selection?

  Average birth weights have selective advantages
• What is the significance of the middle birth weight in humans?

  • Reduces risk of complications at birth
  • Increases survival chances for both mother and baby
  • Most common birth weight range is 6-9 pounds
• What is the typical birth weight range for humans?

  6 to 9 pounds
• What causes genetic diversity in a population?

  Random gene mutations create new alleles
• How does natural selection lead to better adaptation in species?

  It favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction
• What is the purpose of courtship behavior in organisms?

  To ensure successful mating between species
• What defines a species?

  A group of organisms that can breed
• Why is reproduction important for species?

  To pass on DNA and advantageous alleles
• What is the main reason for the importance of courtship rituals?

  For the survival of the entire species
• Who typically performs courtship rituals in the animal kingdom?

  Males
• Why do males often have brighter colors than females?

  To attract females during courtship
• What might a peacock display during courtship?

  Colorful feathers
• How do females decide on a mate during courtship?

  By observing the courtship ritual
• Why do females choose males with the best courtship rituals?

  To ensure they mate with the fittest male
• What does synchronizing mating behavior indicate?

  Both are sexually mature and in season
• What is the significance of producing fertile offspring?

  It ensures the continuation of the species
• How does courtship help in the survival of offspring?

  By forming a pair bond between parents
• Why is having two parents beneficial for offspring?

  It increases the chances of survival
• What does a bright feather color indicate in birds?

  Strong health and extra energy
• How can courtship rituals be used to study species relationships?

  Similar sequences indicate closer genetic relations
• What are the courtship sequences of the three duck species?

  Unique sequences for each species
• Which ducks are more closely related based on courtship rituals?

  Ducks one and two
• What does a similar courtship sequence suggest about two species?

  They have more similar DNA sequences
• What determines courtship rituals in species?

  Genetic factors