Population Genetics, Speciation, and Plant Biology

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from population genetics, speciation, plant biology, and essential characteristics of animal diversity.

What does the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium help us understand?

It helps us understand allele frequency changes in a population over time.

In the Hardy-Weinberg equation, what does 'p' represent?

The frequency of an allele at a certain locus.

What is the formula used to calculate allele frequencies in a population?

p+q=1.0.

Give an example of how to find the frequency of the recessive phenotype if p=0.4.

Calculate q as 1.0 - p, then square q.

What are the five assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

1) Random Mating, 2) No Mutations, 3) No Migration, 4) Infinite Population Size, 5) No Natural Selection.

What is genetic drift?

Fluctuation in allele frequencies due to randomness.

Define gene flow.

Movement of genes from one population to another.

What is nonrandom mating?

The preference for individuals to mate with others based on certain traits.

What is inbreeding depression?

Loss of fitness as homozygosity increases and heterozygosity decreases.

What is the Biological Species Concept?

Individuals that are reproductively isolated are considered different species.

What is allopatric speciation?

Speciation occurring in two different groups in separate spatial areas.

What are the two methods for creating phylogenetic trees?

Phenetics and Cladistics.

What is the primary method of evolution in the Punctuated Equilibrium model?

Rapid bursts of change following long periods of stability.

What is the role of chloroplasts in plants?

They are where photosynthesis occurs.

What is the function of mycorrhizae?

They promote nutrient uptake in plants.

Define macro and micro nutrients in plants.

Macro nutrients are needed in large amounts, while micro nutrients are needed in smaller amounts.

Describe taproots.

Roots that grow deep and long to access nutrients farther down in the soil.

What type of plants have shoots that provide stability like buttress roots?

Certain tropical trees with extensive shallow roots.

What are the differences between monocots and dicots?

Monocots have one seed leaf and scattered vascular bundles; dicots have two seed leaves and ringed vascular bundles.

What is the primary function of the palisade layer in leaves?

It is where the majority of photosynthesis occurs.

What is the primary role of the xylem in plants?

To transport water from roots to the rest of the plant.

What do sieve tubes do in the phloem?

They transport sugars through the plant.

What is photosynthesis?

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

What is translocation in plants?

Movement of sugars throughout the plant.

What major traits do animals share?

They have a heterotrophic lifestyle, flexible membranes, and glycogen stores.

Define bilateral symmetry in animals.

A body plan that can be divided into two equal halves along one plane.

What is a pseudocoelomate?

An organism that has a body cavity but lacks mesodermal lining.

What characterizes the Phylum Chordata?

Embryos have gill slits and a dorsal hollow nerve cord.

What is a distinguishing feature of the Echinodermata?

They exhibit radial symmetry as adults.

What are nematodes primarily known for?

Being parasitic and having bilateral symmetry.

What is the role of the cambium in trees?

It produces new xylem and phloem cells.