Biology Final

A given population of species can have only 1 delection pressure at a time

false

There must be heritable differences between individuals for evolution to occur

true

adaptations are the result of the interplay between mutations and natural selection

true

chimps and gorillas branched off from the hominid line after austraki went extinct

false

genetic drift usually results in adaptations

false

selective breeding counts as evidence of evolution by natural selection

true

the position of the foramen magnum tells you if an individual brain size

false

What does geneflow do to the genotypes of populations

makes them more similar

In what conditions is genetic drift most important

smaller population

what is the defining characteristic of hominids

walking upright

directional selection

a mode of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype over others, leading to a shift in allele frequency in a particular direction.

disruptive selection

a mode of natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes at both ends of the spectrum, leading to increased variation in a population.

the founder effect

a genetic phenomenon that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to reduced genetic diversity and a shift in allele frequencies compared to the original population.

three species in genus homo

erectus, habilis, sapien

stabilizing selection

a mode of natural selection that favors intermediate phenotypes, reducing variation and maintaining the status quo in a population.

Explain what makes a hypothesis scientific

A scientific hypothesis is a testable and falsifiable statement that can be evaluated through experimentation and observation. It is based on existing knowledge and can be supported or refuted by empirical evidence.

The tenativeness of science

refers to the idea that scientific knowledge is not absolute and is subject to change with new evidence or discoveries. This allows for continual refinement and improvement of scientific theories.

hypothesis vs prediction

A hypothesis is a testable statement that explains a phenomenon, while a prediction is a specific outcome expected from testing that hypothesis.

Baloney detection kit steps

include questioning the evidence, considering alternative explanations, and examining the logic of arguments.

anecdotal science

refers to conclusions drawn from personal accounts or isolated examples rather than systematic scientific evidence. It often lacks rigorous methodology and can lead to misleading interpretations of data.

descriptive science

involves observing and describing phenomena without manipulating variables, often leading to the formulation of hypotheses.

correlational science

involves studying the relationships between variables to identify patterns and associations without establishing causation.

observation vs inference

Observation refers to the act of noting and recording phenomena through the senses, while inference is the process of drawing conclusions based on observations and prior knowledge.

junk science

refers to claims or theories that are presented as scientific but lack empirical support and rigorous methodology, often misleading or erroneous.

precautionary principle

a strategy for approaching issues of potential harm when extensive scientific knowledge is lacking, advocating for preventive action.

antiscience

a stance or movement that opposes or rejects scientific consensus and methods, often promoting pseudoscience or misinformation.

psuedoscience

beliefs commonly mistaken for having scientific backup

deontological argument

an ethical theory that focuses on rules than morals

utilitarian argument

based on morality of actions to reach group happiness

macrobiodiversity

variety of life at a larger scale

taxon

group of organisms grouped together from a shared characteristic

protists

eukarotic microorganisms that are not bacteria, plants, or fungi

archaea

a domain of single-celled microorganisms that are prokaryotes, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, often found in extreme environments.

ecosystem services

the benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean water, pollination, and climate regulation.

main threats to biodiversity

include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and invasive species.

autotroph vs heterotroph

Autotrophs produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, while heterotrophs consume organic material for energy.

rivet hypothesis

a concept suggesting that ecosystems are like rivets in a plane, where losing species can lead to ecosystem collapse.

abiotic factors

energy (sunlight)

nutrients (N and P)

soil structure (type, pH, moisture)

wind (pollination, water loss)

temperature

water

fire

consumers

obtain energy from producers

use oxygen

consume carbon compounds

give off carbon dioxide

include herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, & detritivores

producers

depend on energy from sun, make sugar, give off oxygen

What is the difference between a prokaryote and a eukaryote?

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus, while eukaryotes have a nucleus.

What is the difference between an autotroph and a heterotroph?

Autotrophs produce their own food (e.g., via photosynthesis), while heterotrophs consume other organisms for energy.

What are the Archaea, and where are they found?

A domain of prokaryotes found in extreme environments like hot springs and salt lakes

What are biomes?

Large ecological areas with distinct climates and organisms, such as deserts, forests, and aquatic zones.

How do precipitation and temperature relate to biomes?

They determine the type of biome by influencing the environment and the organisms that can thrive there.

What is a genetic bottleneck?

A sharp reduction in population size, leading to reduced genetic diversity.

What is speciation?

The process by which one species splits into two or more distinct species.

What is the basic process of mitosis?

A type of cell division that produces two identical somatic cells.

How is meiosis different from mitosis?

Meiosis produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes for sexual reproduction

What are Mendel’s two laws of inheritance?

The Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment.

What is the central dogma of molecular genetics?

DNA → RNA → Protein

What are mutations, and what types exist?

Changes in DNA sequence; types include substitution, deletion, and insertion.

How is blood type inherited?

Through co-dominant alleles (A, B, and O).