BIO Final

Question 1

Genetic Drift

Answer 1

Evolutionary changes in allele frequencies due to random events, more significant in small populations.

Question 2

Allele

Answer 2

Alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.

Question 3

Alpha Diversity

Answer 3

The number of species in a specific, smaller area or ecosystem.

Question 4

Beta Diversity

Answer 4

The rate of change in species composition between different habitats or regions.

Question 5

Gamma Diversity

Answer 5

The total number of species in a larger region or landscape.

Question 6

Sympatric Speciation

Answer 6

Speciation occurring within the same geographic area, often due to genetic mutations or niche differentiation.

Question 7

Allopatric Speciation

Answer 7

Speciation occurring due to geographic separation of populations

Question 8

Keystone Species

Answer 8

A species with a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.

Question 9

Competitive Exclusion Principle

Answer 9

The principle that two species competing for the same limiting resource cannot coexist at constant population values.

Question 10

Resource Partitioning

Answer 10

The process by which similar species exploit the limited resources in an ecological area without one species driving the others into extinction.

Question 11

Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG)

Answer 11

Definition: The increase in biodiversity as one moves from the poles toward the equator.

Question 12

Museum Hypothesis

Answer 12

Definition: The concept that tropical regions preserve high biodiversity by maintaining species over long periods with low extinction rates.

Question 13

Biological Species Concept

Answer 13

Definition: Defines species as groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups.

Question 14

Morphological Species Concept

Answer 14

Definition: Defines species based on physical characteristics and structural features.

Question 15

Ecological Species Concept

Answer 15

Definition: Defines species based on their ecological niche and role in the ecosystem.

Question 16

Genetic Species Concept

Answer 16

Definition: Defines species based on genetic similarity and distinctiveness.

Question 17

Polyploidy

Answer 17

Definition: Having more than two complete sets of chromosomes.

Question 17

Autopolyploidy

Answer 17

Definition: A type of polyploidy involving multiple chromosome sets from one species.

Question 18

Allopolyploidy

Answer 18

Definition: A type of polyploidy that combines chromosome sets from different species.

Question 19

Punctuated Equilibrium

Answer 19

Definition: The theory that species remain relatively unchanged for long periods, with rapid bursts of evolutionary change during short periods.

Question 20

Gradual Speciation

Answer 20

Definition: The theory that species evolve through slow, continuous changes over long periods.

Question 21

Genetic Drift

Answer 21

Definition: Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, more significant in small populations.

Question 22

Founder Effect

Answer 22

Definition: A form of genetic drift where a new population is established by a small number of individuals, leading to reduced genetic diversity.

Question 23

Bottleneck Effect

Answer 23

Definition: A form of genetic drift resulting from a drastic reduction in population size, leading to loss of genetic variation.

Question 24

Gene Flow

Answer 24

Definition: The process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in successive generations.

Question 25

Stabilizing Selection

Answer 25

Definition: A type of natural selection that favors intermediate traits and selects against extreme variations.

Question 26

Directional Selection

Answer 26

Definition: A type of natural selection that favors one extreme trait over others.

Question 27

Disruptive (Diversifying) Selection

Answer 27

Definition: A type of natural selection that favors both extreme traits over intermediate ones.

Question 28

Sexual Selection

Answer 28

Definition: A form of natural selection where traits that enhance mating success are favored.

Question 29

Edge Effects

Answer 29

Definition: Changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats, often altering light, temperature, and predation.

Question 30

Habitat Fragmentation

Answer 30

Definition: The breaking up of continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches, leading to reduced species diversity and increased vulnerability to extinction.

Question 31

Reproductive Isolation

Answer 31

Definition: Mechanisms that prevent different species from interbreeding, ensuring species integrity.

Question 32

Hybrid Sterility

Answer 32

Definition: A postzygotic reproductive barrier where hybrids are sterile and cannot reproduce.

Question 33

Hybrid Zone

Answer 33

Definition: A geographic area where interbreeding occurs between two species, producing hybrids.

Question 34

Reinforcement

Answer 34

Definition: The process by which natural selection increases reproductive isolation between populations.

Question 35

Adaptive Radiation

Answer 35

Definition: The rapid diversification of a single ancestral species into multiple new species adapted to different niches.

Question 36

Vestigial Structures

Answer 36

Definition: Anatomical features that have lost their original function through evolution, reflecting ancestry.

Question 37

Endemic Species

Answer 37

Definition: Species that are native to and found only within a specific geographic location.

Question 38

Commensalism

Answer 38

Definition: A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Question 39

Predation

Answer 39

Definition: An interaction where one species (predator) hunts and feeds on another (prey).

Question 40

Rescue Effect

Answer 40

Definition: The immigration of individuals from a larger population to replenish declining populations on islands, enhancing their chances of recovery and persistence.