Evolution Unit 1: Lessons 1 & 2

Practice questions covering definitions, evidence, and processes of evolution, including specific case studies like Darwin's Finches and Stickleback fish.

What formula summarizes the basic process of evolution in the notes?

$$\text{variation} + \text{replication} = \text{evolution} \rightarrow \text{divergence}$$

What is 'Tree Thinking' in the context of evolution?

Exploring evolution as a branching process (Phlyogeny) that examines relatedness and the sequence of events such as the origin of traits.

How does Population Thinking differ from Typological or Essentialism thinking regarding variation?

Population Thinking views variation as inherent within a population, whereas Typological and Essentialism thinking focuses on one 'type species' and views variation as an error.

What is the difference between Homologous and Convergent traits?

Homologous traits are shared due to common ancestry, while Convergent (also known as Analogous) traits are shared due to similar selection pressures.

What are vestigial structures?

Structures present in an organism that are no longer functional but are still considered homologous.

Which types of evidence for evolution were available to Darwin?

Fossil record, Homology, Convergence, Biogeography, Artificial Selection, and Development.

Which types of evidence for evolution were NOT available to Darwin during his time?

Molecular Evidence (pattern and process) and Observing Speciation/Real-time Evolution.

What are transitional forms in the fossil record?

Transitional steps between distinct groups of organisms preserved in rock layers.

In evolutionary study, what concepts are categorized under 'Pattern'?

Extant Species, Homology, Extinct species, and Speciation.

In evolutionary study, what concepts are categorized under 'Process'?

Natural Selection, Mutation, Genetic Drift, and Sexual selection.

What are the characteristics of Oceanic islands in biogeography?

Formed via volcanic action, never part of a continent, inhabited by good dispersers and endemic species, and characterized by adaptive radiation into unique niches.

How did Stickleback fish adapt differently in saltwater versus freshwater environments?

Saltwater fish have armor due to predation, while freshwater fish have lost their armor.

What three conditions are necessary for Natural Selection to occur?

1. Variation in a trait, 2. variation in fitness, and 3. association between variation in fitness and variation in trait.

What is a 'Replicator' and why is it important for evolution?

A replicator is the unit of natural selection (Species, Populations, Individual organisms, or Genes) that can make a copy of itself; for natural selection to cause evolution, it must be heritable.

How did El Niño affect the Darwin's Finches population?

The number of finches and seeds declined, leaving only large hard seeds, which resulted in the beak depth of offspring increasing in size.

What specific gene is mentioned in relation to increased beak size and divergence in finches?

BMP4

What is the definition of Heritability provided in the notes?

The proportion of the variation observed in a population that is due to a variation in genes.

Does Natural Selection benefit the species as a whole or the individual?

It benefits the individual and not the entire species or population, a concept referred to as 'Selfishness'.