C Flashcards
What is Biological Fitness?
Measures how successful a genotype (and phenotype) is at producing surviving offspring compared to others.
What is absolute fitness?
The average number of surviving offspring an individual with a certain genotype or phenotype has in its lifetime.
What is relative fitness?
The proportion of offspring an individual has compared to those with the most successful genotype or phenotype.
Why do brown beetles have higher fitness than green beetles?
They contribute more genetically to the next generation by producing more surviving offspring.
Which Gouldian finch genotype has the highest relative fitness?
The Black Genotype, since it produces the most offspring relative to others.
What is asexual reproduction?
A form of reproduction where offspring are identical clones of the parent, unless mutation occurs.
What is sexual reproduction?
A form of reproduction that mixes genes from different sources, usually two parents.
What is the fitness advantage of asexual reproduction?
faster reproduction, higher individual fitness, and no need for a mate.
What is the main advantage of sexual reproduction?
Increased genetic diversity, which helps populations adapt and survive.
What is Muller’s Ratchet?
The idea that asexual populations accumulate harmful mutations over time, especially in small populations.
What is Kondrashov’s Hatchet?
The concept that beyond the mutation threshold, individuals in any population size experience harmful effects.
What does the Red Queen Hypothesis explain?
It suggests that sexual reproduction helps hosts stay ahead in the evolutionary ‘arms race’ against parasites.
Why is asexual reproduction risky in the presence of parasites?
A clonal population makes it easier for parasites to evolve and overcome the host’s defenses.
What is an example of an organism using both asexual and sexual reproduction?
Aphids reproduce asexually in spring and summer, then switch to sexual reproduction in the fall.
How does sexual reproduction lead to conflict between males and females?
Each sex tries to maximize its own fitness, which may not align with the others reproductive stratagy.
What happens if an organism has an absolute fitness of 1.0?
It passes on 100% of its genes to the next generation.
What happens if absolute fitness is less than 1.0?
The genotype is declining in frequency.
What happens if the absolute fitness is greater than 1.0?
The genotype is increasing in frequency.
Name 3 examples of asexual reproduction in different organisms?
Plants - Spider plants reproduce by cloning.
Animals - Hydra reproduce by budding.
Fungi - yeast produce by budding.
Can organisms without separate males and females reproduce sexually?
Yes, fungi have different mating types instead of sexes.
What is an example of bacteria exchanging genes?
Bacterial conjugation allows genes exchange between bacteria, even across species.
Why does sexual reproduction persist despite being less efficient?
The advantages (genetic diversity, adaptation, avoiding harmful mutations) outweigh the disadvantages.
How do plants reproduce sexually?
Some, like ferns, use motile sperm, while others rely on pollinators.
How do animals reproduce sexuallly?
Through external or internal fertilization, depending on the species.
What happened to rock pocket mice with cryptic fur?
Mice that blended with their environment survived better, leading to more offspring over time.
How quickly can a 1% survival advantage change the population?
In 1000 years, 95% of the mice will match the background.
How quickly can a 10% survival advantage change the population?
In just 100 years.
