Adaptation - 19

Question 1

Define adaptation

Answer 1

traits that increase individual fitness

Question 2

3 things to remember when studying adaptations

Answer 2

1. differences among population/species are not always adaptive, may be mutation or drift
2. not every trait is an adaptation
3. adaptations are compromises

Question 3

What are the 3 approaches to studying adaptation

Answer 3

1. experimental
2. observational
3. comparative

Question 4

Example of comparative approach for studying adaptations

Answer 4

comparing traits across species to find common patterns
ex. feather lice in birds and why they are different colours

Question 5

Define reaction norm

Answer 5

how the phenotype of one genotype changes across a range of conditions (ex. environmental conditions)