bio

Why is the species concept important for conservation efforts?

It helps classify species, identify similarities and differences, and regulate interactions for conservation.

What is the morphospecies concept?

A classification of species based on morphological traits.

What is an advantage of the morphospecies concept?

It is easy to visually identify species.

What is a disadvantage of the morphospecies concept?

Mimicry and ambiguous interpretations among scientists.

What is the biological species concept?

Defines species by the ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring.

What is an advantage of the biological species concept?

It provides a straightforward definition of species.

What is a disadvantage of the biological species concept?

It excludes asexual and extinct species, and hybrids complicate classification.

What is the phylogenetic species concept?

Identifies species based on evolutionary history and unique traits.

What is an advantage of the phylogenetic species concept?

It is applicable to any population.

What is a disadvantage of the phylogenetic species concept?

It is limited to populations with evolutionary data.

How do dispersal and vicariance lead to allopatric speciation?

Dispersal involves a population moving and adapting to a new habitat, while vicariance involves physical barriers splitting habitats, isolating populations.

How does disruptive selection result in sympatric speciation?

It favors extremes in a population, creating bimodal distributions and driving divergence within the same environment.

What are the four major species interactions?

Commensalism (+/0), Competition (-/-), Consumption (+/-), and Mutualism (+/+).

What is an ecological niche?

The range of resources a species uses and the conditions it tolerates.

What is the difference between fundamental and realized niches?

Fundamental niche is the full range of resources a species could use, while realized niche is the limited range due to competition.

What is competitive exclusion?

When two species compete for the same niche, the more competitive species outcompetes the other.

What are the parts of a phylogenetic tree?

Root (common ancestor), Node (splitting point of lineages), Branch (connections between nodes), Tip (present-day species).

Define apomorphy, plesiomorphy, and synapomorphy.

Plesiomorphy: Ancestral trait; Apomorphy: Derived trait; Synapomorphy: Shared trait in a lineage.

What is the Cambrian explosion?

A period of rapid species diversification due to oxygen increase, predation, niche differentiation, and Hox gene evolution.

How does natural selection affect human skin color?

High UV areas favor more melanin to prevent skin cancer, passing protective traits to offspring.

What is adaptive radiation?

Rapid evolution of species to fill various niches, leading to ecological and morphological diversity.

What is the sixth mass extinction caused by?

Habitat loss, climate change, overfishing, pollution, and global trade.

What is parsimony in phylogenetics?

The simplest explanation, with the least evolutionary changes, is most likely correct.