Biol 3305 Organic Evolution Review (New Stuff)

This set of flashcards covers essential topics from the Biol 3305 lecture notes focused on Organic Evolution, including the evolution of Homo sapiens, genetic diversity, and theories on aging.

Who classified and named Homo sapiens?

Carolus Linnaeus classified and named Homo sapiens.

What is the type specimen for Homo sapiens?

The type specimen for Homo sapiens is the first specimen used to describe the species formally.

What are synapomorphies that evidence humans are primates?

Synapomorphies include features like opposable thumbs, forward-facing eyes, and a larger brain compared to body size.

What is the closest living relative species to Homo sapiens?

The closest living relatives to Homo sapiens are chimpanzees.

How does genetic diversity compare between Homo sapiens and other great apes?

Homo sapiens have less genetic diversity compared to other great apes.

What were the first hominins?

The first hominins include species such as Sahelanthropus and Australopithecus.

What are the main genera of hominins?

The main genera of hominins include Homo, Australopithecus, and Paranthropus.

What was Homo erectus?

Homo erectus was a hominin species known for its larger body size and use of tools; they lived approximately 1.9 million to 110,000 years ago.

What was Homo neanderthalensis?

Homo neanderthalensis, or Neanderthals, were a species that lived around 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, known for their robust builds and use of sophisticated tools.

When did Homo sapiens arise?

Homo sapiens arose approximately 300,000 years ago, characterized by a larger brain and more complex tools.

What is the out of Africa hypothesis?

The out of Africa hypothesis posits that modern humans originated in Africa and dispersed to other continents, supported by genetic evidence.

What is mitochondrial Eve?

Mitochondrial Eve refers to the most recent common matrilineal ancestor of all living humans, traced through mitochondrial DNA.

What is the hybridization hypothesis?

The hybridization hypothesis suggests that modern humans interbred with other hominin species, like Neanderthals, as they migrated.

What are geographic patterns in human genetic diversity?

Geographic patterns show that genetic diversity typically decreases with distance from Africa and highlights frequencies of deleterious alleles in isolated populations.

What are two hypotheses for the evolution of aging (senescence)?

Two hypotheses are the disposable soma theory and the mutation accumulation theory.

What is the scientific support for the Evolutionary hypothesis of aging?

Scientific support includes data showing that natural selection favors traits that enhance reproductive success over longevity.

Can longevity evolve?

Yes, longevity can evolve if it enhances reproductive success or survival in certain environments.

Why might it be beneficial for an organism to live longer?

Longer lifespan can increase the number of reproductive opportunities and allow for greater parental care.

Have any genes been identified that affect lifespan in nematodes?

Yes, genes such as daf-2 and age-1 have been linked to lifespan extension in nematodes.

Why do collared flycatchers have a clutch in their first year?

Collared flycatchers may have a clutch in their first year to maximize reproductive success despite trade-offs such as reduced future reproduction.

Why do opossums on Sapelo island exhibit delayed senescence?

Opossums on Sapelo island may exhibit delayed senescence due to environmental factors and selective pressures.

What is the support for the evolution of menopause?

The evolution of menopause is supported by evidence suggesting increased survival of offspring and familial support in older females rather than being an artifact of aging.