chapter 10- evolution, variation, adaptations Flashcards
what is evolution
the gradual change in heritable traits of organisms many millions of years (successive/several generations)
what is evolution (as a genetic def)
a change in the allele frequency of a populations gene pool over successive generations
heritable traits are encoded for by … and may be transferred
genes and may be transferred between generations as alleles
darwins obs: organsism produce…
more offspring than survive
darwins obs: theres variation in…
the characteristics of members of the same species
darwins obs: some of these characteristics can be…
passed on from one generation to the next
darwins obs: individuals that are best adapted….
to their environment are more likely to survive
darwins obs: populations do not…
fluctuate significantly
What is the name of the mechanism by which evolution occurs
natural selection
describe the process of natural selecion (3)
a new ALLELE arising from random mutation
leads to
increased REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS is inherited by the next generation.
Over many generations, the new allele increases in FREQUENCY in the population
principals of NS: over pro…..
over production leads to competition
principals of NS: variation due to
mutaion
principals of NS: selection via
adaption (surival of the fittest)
principals of NS: breed and pass…
on characteristics
what is a selection pressure (2)
a factor which affects an organisms chance of survival or ability to reproduce
what does density dependent mean
the factors have a greater impact in denser populations
what does density independent mean
the factors are not facilitated by high population density, affects all populations regardless of density
what are the 5 density dependent factors/selection presures
(p,r,n,d,w)
predators
availability of resources
nutrient supply
disease (pathogenic spread)
accumulation of wastes
what are the 3 density independent factors/selection pressures
abiotic factors
weather conditions
offspring generally appear similar to their parents deducting that
characteristics are passed on to the next generation
organisms have the ability to produce large numbers of offspring and populations in nature tend to remain relatively stable deducting that
there is a struggle for existence
no two individuals are identical and organisms have the ability to produce large numbers of offspring and populations in nature tend to remain relatively stable deducting that
individuals with beneficial characteristics are among few who survive
what are the types of evidence for evolution
comparative anatomy (homologous structures)
paleontology(fossils)
comparative biochemistry
molecular biology
what are homologous structures
anatomical features that are similar in basic underlying structure despite being used in different way