gentics

What is a mutation?

A change in DNA that can be passed on if desirable.

What is gradualism in evolution?

A long process of evolution.

What is punctuated equilibrium?

Short bursts of evolution.

What defines a species?

Organisms that interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring.

What is geographic isolation?

A physical barrier that prevents interbreeding between species.

What is reproductive isolation?

Something that prevents interbreeding.

What are prezygotic barriers?

Barriers that occur before fertilization.

What is habitat isolation?

Species do not live near each other.

What is temporal isolation?

Species do not breed at the same time.

What is behavioral isolation?

Differences in courtship rituals prevent mating.

What is mechanical isolation?

Reproductive parts do not fit together.

What is gametic isolation?

Sperm and egg are incompatible.

What are postzygotic barriers?

Barriers that occur after fertilization.

What is reduced hybrid fertility?

Hybrids are sterile.

What is reduced hybrid viability?

Hybrids die before reaching reproductive age.

What is hybrid breakdown?

F2 hybrids are sterile.

What is Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

A principle to determine if a population is evolving.

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

Large population, random mating, all individuals equally fit, no gene flow, no mutations.

What does it mean if allele frequencies change?

Evolution is taking place.

Why are dark mice more common on lava rock?

They are camouflaged.

What causes the dark fur trait in mice?

A mutation in DNA.

Is a mutation random or caused by need?

Random.

How does the lab demonstrate natural selection?

Those best fit for their environment survive and reproduce.

What is a phylogenetic tree?

A branching diagram that illustrates evolutionary relationships.

What is a shared derived trait?

Evolutionary characteristics inherited from a common ancestor.

How do you determine which species are most closely related?

By the number of shared characteristics.

How can a natural disaster lead to evolution?

Through the bottleneck effect.

Why does natural selection not 'create' traits?

Traits arise by chance.

How are mutation and natural selection connected?

Both occur by random chance.