Darwin's Theory of Evolution and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

This set of flashcards summarizes key concepts from the lectures on Darwin's Theory of Evolution and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, designed to aid students in their exam preparation.

What is Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection?

It states that organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

What is a gene pool?

The total genetic diversity within a population.

What is mutation in the context of evolution?

Errors in DNA replication that create new alleles and introduce genetic variation.

What is the result of natural selection?

Organisms with traits suited for the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

What are the two types of isolation that can lead to speciation?

Prezygotic and postzygotic isolation.

What is the Biological Species Concept?

A species consists of populations that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

What does Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium indicate?

It indicates that allele frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation under certain conditions.

What are the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

No mutation, no natural selection, no genetic drift, no gene flow, and random mating.

What is the Hardy-Weinberg equation for genotype frequencies?

p² for homozygous dominant, 2pq for heterozygous, and q² for homozygous recessive.

What is microevolution?

Evolution occurring on a small scale within a population.

What is the difference between regulators and conformers?

Regulators maintain internal conditions different from the environment, while conformers allow their internal conditions to match their environment.

What is the purpose of resource allocation in organisms?

To ensure survival, growth, and reproduction influencing Darwinian fitness.

What is genetic drift?

Random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations.

What is allopatric speciation?

Speciation that occurs due to physical separation of populations.

What is the significance of Darwin's finches in studying evolution?

They exemplify adaptive radiation and the founder effect.

What does phenotypic variation provide in a population?

Certain traits provide advantages in survival and reproduction.