Introduction to Evolution and Population Genetics

What is the big question addressed in the study of evolution?

How do organisms evolve?

Who proposed that populations would like to grow forever but are limited by factors such as disease, food, and space?

Thomas Malthus

What concept did George Cuvier suggest regarding species?

Extinctions

What principle did Charles Lyell advocate regarding geological processes?

The processes happening on Earth now are similar to those that happened in the past.

What did Jean-Baptiste Lamarck contribute to evolutionary theory?

The idea of the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

What is the significance of Darwin's journey on the HMS Beagle?

It allowed him to read, collect data, and formulate his thoughts on evolution.

What is the concept of 'fitness' in evolutionary terms?

Successful competitors survive, reproduce, and pass on their traits.

What does 'descent with modification' imply in evolutionary biology?

Organisms share common ancestors and have changed over time.

What is microevolution?

The study of changes in the frequency of an allele in a population from one generation to the next.

What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle state about allele frequencies?

The frequency of an allele in a population should not change from one generation to the next under certain conditions.

What are the five conditions required for the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

1. No natural selection, 2. No immigration or emigration, 3. No mutation, 4. No mating selection, 5. Large population size.

What does the equation p² + 2pq + q² = 1 represent?

The genotype frequencies in a population for a single locus with two alleles.

What is the Founder Effect?

A type of bottleneck effect that results in reduced genetic diversity from a small number of colonizing ancestors.

What is speciation?

The process by which new species form, occurring when groups become reproductively isolated and diverge.

What are the two main types of speciation?

1. Allopatric speciation (separate environments), 2. Sympatric speciation (same environment).

What does the term 'homologous structures' refer to?

Variations on a structural theme that were present in a common ancestor.

What are vestigial structures?

Homologies that are considered 'leftovers' with reduced function.

What is the significance of genetic drift in small populations?

A small population is more likely to evolve due to random chance affecting allele frequencies.

What is the role of competition in evolution?

Organisms compete for resources, influencing survival and reproduction.

How did Darwin's observations on the Galapagos Islands contribute to his theory?

He noted variations among species, such as giant tortoises and finches, which influenced his ideas on adaptation.

What is the relationship between allele frequency changes and evolution?

Evolution occurs when allele frequencies change over time due to the most well-adapted traits.

What is the definition of a species?

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

What is the concept of 'common descent'?

The idea that organisms share common ancestors and have changed over time.

What are some underlying biblical teachings related to creation?

God created the earth and the universe, and Christ plays an important role in creation and providence.

What is Young Earth Creationism (YEC)?

The belief that creation occurred about 6-10,000 years ago during six 24-hour days.

What are some advantages and disadvantages of Young Earth Creationism?

Advantages: maintains scriptural integrity; Disadvantages: must reconcile with geological and fossil evidence.

What does the Gap Creationist view propose?

The earth was created long ago, became 'formless and empty,' and was restored about 6,000 years ago.

What are some points fundamental to the Day-Age Creationist belief?

The belief that the days of creation in Genesis represent long periods of time rather than 24-hour days.