10- Inclusive Fitness Flashcards
2 ways that an environment may influence a gene
Help other relatives with the same gene or reproduce itself
What is the effect of ‘relative-helping genes’?
To help copies of these genes inside other bodies
2 effects that inclusive fitness covers
‘Own body’ and ‘other body’ effects
What is Hamilton’s rule of inclusive fitness?
Conditions that a gene with social consequences will spread are: rb - c > 0
What is r in Hamilton’s rule?
Relatedness
What is b in Hamilton’s rule?
Benefit to the relative as a result of help being given
What is c in Hamilton’s rule?
Cost to self as a result of doing the helping
What are epigenetics?
Changes in phenotype or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in underlying DNA sequence
How is epigenetic regulation of gene expression mediated principally?
Through changes in DNA methylation and chromatin structure
What is an endocast?
An internal cast of a hollow object
What is the cranial vault?
The space within the skull within the neurocranium occupied by the brain
What is paleoneurology?
Study of brain evolution through studying endocasts of inside of fossilised skulls
How do fossil skulls reveal information about the brain?
Show that the cranium grows in response to brain tissue growth rather than in response to genetic guidance
4 lines of evidence from endocasts for evolution
Changes in-
1. Brain volume
2. Asymmetrics
3. Gyri and sulci
4. Measurement of major lobes/areas
