Evolution, Biodiversity, & Population Ecology

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on evolution, biodiversity, and population ecology, including mechanisms of evolution, selection processes, ecological interactions, and the effects of human activity on ecosystems.

What is evolutionary change?

Descent with modification over time.

What are the agents of evolutionary change?

Natural selection, migration, random drift, and mutation.

What is natural selection?

A process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

What is an adaptation?

A trait that enhances survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

What is convergent evolution?

The process where unrelated species develop similar adaptations due to similar environmental challenges.

What does directional selection favor?

Traits that are at one extreme of a phenotypic range.

What is stabilizing selection?

Selection that favors the average phenotype and eliminates extreme traits.

What is disruptive selection?

Selection that favors individuals at both extremes of the phenotypic range.

What is genetic drift?

A mechanism of evolution that leads to random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

What is the result of a genetic bottleneck?

A significant reduction in genetic diversity due to a drastic decrease in population size.

What are keystone species?

Species that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

What is primary succession?

The development of a biological community in an area without prior soil or vegetation.

What is secondary succession?

The recovery of a community after a disturbance that leaves the soil intact.

What is ecological efficiency?

The ratio of energy content at one trophic level to the energy content at the lower trophic level.

What is biocapacity?

The capacity of ecosystems to produce resources and absorb waste.

What is the significance of the 'Out of Africa' hypothesis?

It suggests that modern humans originated in Africa before spreading to other continents.

What is neoteny?

The retention of juvenile traits in the adult form of a species.

What is the difference between generalists and specialists?

Generalists can thrive in a wide range of environments, while specialists have specific habitat requirements.

What is the demographic transition model?

A model that describes the transition from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as a country develops.

What causes desertification?

Overgrazing, deforestation, and poor agricultural practices leading to the degradation of land.

What is soil erosion?

The removal of the topsoil layer, reducing the soil's ability to support plants.

What is phytoremediation?

Using plants to absorb and remove contaminants from soil and water.