Describe evolution: Evolution is the process through which species change over time through variations, natural selection, and genetic drift.

Explain microevolution: Microevolution refers to small-scale changes in allele frequencies within a population over time, often as a result of natural selection, gene flow, mutation, and genetic drift.

Describe the term gene pool: The gene pool is the total collection of genes and their variants (alleles) within a population, representing the genetic diversity available for evolution.

Determine whether all genetic variation is visible and discuss why or why not: Not all genetic variation is visible; some variations occur at the molecular level and do not affect phenotype. Differences in DNA sequences may not result in observable traits, but they can influence traits in other contexts or under certain environmental conditions.

Explain the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium model and its assumptions: The Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium model describes a scenario where allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in a population, given that certain conditions are met: no mutations, random mating, no natural selection, large population size, and no gene flow.

Describe the Hardy-Weinberg allele equation and the Hardy-Weinberg genotype equation: The Hardy-Weinberg allele equation is p + q = 1, where p is the frequency of one allele and q is the frequency of the other. The genotype equation is p² + 2pq + q² = 1, which represents the expected frequency of the homozygous dominant, heterozygous, and homozygous recessive genotypes. These equations calculate allele frequencies based on observed data.

Discuss how gene pools change due to natural selection vs. genetic drift, non-random mating, gene flow, and mutation: Natural selection leads to the increase of advantageous traits, altering the gene pool, whereas genetic drift results in random changes in allele frequencies, particularly in small populations. Non-random mating can skew gene frequencies based on mate selection. Gene flow introduces new alleles from other populations, while mutations create new alleles, impacting genetic diversity.

Explain the natural selection (and selective pressures) that took place regarding the biology of skin pigmentation: Natural selection regarding skin pigmentation has been influenced by factors such as UV radiation exposure, where populations in sunnier regions often have darker skin to protect against UV damage, while those in less sunny areas may have lighter skin for better vitamin D synthesis in low-light conditions.

Discuss the effects of genetic drift on small populations: Genetic drift can have a significant impact on small populations, where random events can lead to the loss of genetic diversity or fixation of alleles, potentially reducing the population's ability to adapt to environmental changes.

Describe why individuals don’t evolve, but populations do: Evolution occurs at the population level due to changes in allele frequencies across generations, while individuals experience changes during their lifetime that do not affect genetic variation in the population.

Discuss how/why evolution is a theory: Evolution is considered a scientific theory because it is a widely accepted explanation for the diversity of life that is supported by extensive evidence from various fields including genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy.

Describe the field of paleontology and discuss some fossil evidence for evolution: Paleontology is the study of ancient life through fossils. Fossil evidence supports evolution by providing a historical record of gradual changes in species over time, including transitional forms that exhibit characteristics of both ancestral and descendant species.

Cite evidence from embryology and structures (homologous and vestigial) that support the theory of evolution: Embryology shows that many species share similar developmental stages, indicating common ancestry. Homologous structures suggest relatedness among species through common evolutionary origins, while vestigial structures, such as the human appendix, reveal remnants of functional traits in ancestral forms.

Discuss the molecular evidence for evolution: Molecular evidence for evolution includes similarities in DNA sequences, genetic markers, and protein structures across different species, indicating common ancestry and evolutionary relationships.