evolution quiz 2

What are the "Five Fingers of Evolution"?

Small population (genetic drift), nonrandom mating (sexual selection), mutations, gene flow, and natural selection.

What is genetic drift?

A random change in allele frequency, especially in small populations.

What is the Bottleneck Effect?

A sharp reduction in population size due to environmental events, leading to less genetic diversity.

What is the Founder Effect?

When a new population is started by a small group, leading to limited genetic variation.

What is gene flow?

The transfer of genes between populations through migration.

What are mutations?

Random changes in DNA that create genetic variation.

What is sexual selection?

A type of natural selection where traits increase mating success.

What is intrasexual selection?

Competition within the same sex (usually males fighting males).

What is sexual dimorphism?

Differences in appearance between males and females of a species.

What is artificial selection?

Humans selectively breeding organisms for desired traits.

What is natural selection?

Organisms with traits better suited to the environment survive and reproduce.

What is directional selection?

Favors one extreme trait (e.g., only the tallest survive).

What is stabilizing selection?

Favors the average trait (e.g., medium size = best chance).

What is disruptive selection?

Favors both extremes (e.g., very small and very large survive, not average).

What is a behavioral adaptation?

An action animals do to survive (e.g., migration, playing dead).

What is a physiological adaptation?

Internal body processes that help survival (e.g., venom, hibernation).

What is a structural adaptation?

Physical features that aid survival (e.g., claws, camouflage).

What is Batesian mimicry?

A harmless species mimics a harmful one.

What is Müllerian mimicry?

Two harmful species evolve to look alike for shared protection.