Adaptation Flashcards
Define adaptation as the result of a process
An adaptation is a phenotype that provides a function to individuals that increases their fitness.
Define the process of adaptation
The process of adaptation is the selection for more fit phenotypes in a population.
Define exaptation and provide an example.
Exaptation is a structure that evolved in a different context but is reused in a current fitness enhancing function. An example of this is birds. Ancestors of birds did not use feathers for flight, but they were co-opted by modern birds to achieve more efficient flight.
Define acclimation
Acclimation is the process where an individual adjusts to its environment to minimize stressors and maintain performance.
What two pieces of information are required to demonstrate an adaptive trait?
The function of the trait must be determined, and there must be proof that this function increases fitness.
What two types of science can be used to test adaptation?
Direct measurement can be used t observe the association between phenotypes and fitness, and experimental studies can be used to manipulate the cause of selection and/or the target phenotype.
What is a reciprocal transplant experiment?
It is a test of certain phenotyped individuals in different environments.
Why aren’t complex adaptations suggestions for divine creation?
The complexity was selected for over a long period of time, bit by bit, with many intermediary stages.
What is a Darwinian Demon?
An ideal organism that is maximized for fitness i.e. immediate sexual maturity and many offspring for a very long time.
Why do we still see variation?
Ideal variation may be lacking for certain phenotypes, also it suggests a waiting game.
What are historical constraints to adaptation?
Evolutionary history can impact future adaptation, past phenotypes may need to be modified.
What are the two types of trade offs that would reduce a certain phenotype in a population?
Traits may serve different functions, and the optimal design of one trait for a specific function may not be the optimal design for another function. Some traits also may be too costly to produce and maintain in terms of energy.
How does a change in environment hinder adaptation?
The environment is constantly changing, rendering some adaptive traits less effective. Predators are also adapting to prey adaptations to predate with more efficiency.
How could recurrent gene flow, founder events, or genetic drift reduce the adaptation of a population?
Recurrent gene flow would reduce local adaptation, a founder event would lose genetic variation or hamper adaptation or cause deleterious mutations, and genetic drift could increase deleterious traits, or decrease the frequency of a beneficial allele.
What is an adaptationist fairytale?
An untested and unsupported explanation for the value of a phenotype.
