Darwinian Evolution Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Darwinian Evolution lecture, including the mechanisms of evolution and their implications.

What is the definition of Darwinian evolution?

Darwinian evolution is the change in heritable traits in a population over generations, primarily driven by natural selection.

What did Charles Darwin publish in 1859?

Charles Darwin published 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection'.

What is the main idea of natural selection?

Natural selection is the process through which individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

What are the four observations that contribute to natural selection?

1. Overproduction of offspring, 2. Limited resources, 3. Variation among individuals, 4. Heritability of traits.

According to Darwin, how does competition relate to natural selection?

More individuals are born than can be supported by the environment, leading to competition for limited resources.

What is a gene pool?

The gene pool is the complete set of genetic information within a population.

What evolutionary mechanism accounts for random changes in allele frequencies in a population?

Genetic drift.

What is the founder effect?

The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals starts a new population with different allele frequencies than the original population.

What does the fossil record indicate about species over time?

The fossil record shows that species in the past were different from those today, with evidence of extinction.

How does biogeography support the theory of evolution?

Biogeography studies the geographic distribution of species, showing how similar species adapted to similar environments in different locations.

What is the significance of mutation in evolutionary change?

Mutation is the original source of genetic variation in populations, which is necessary for evolution.

What defines a population in terms of evolution?

A population is defined as a group of individuals of the same species living in the same place at the same time.

How does radiometric dating support the theory of evolution?

Radiometric dating allows scientists to determine the age of fossils and geological formations, supporting the idea that Earth and its species have evolved over billions of years.

What is one major difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

Natural selection occurs based on environmental pressures, while artificial selection is directed by human preferences.

What role does heritability play in natural selection?

Heritability ensures that traits which confer greater survival and reproductive success can be passed to offspring.

Why is genetic diversity important in a population?

Genetic diversity increases a population's ability to adapt to environmental changes and resist diseases.