Chapter 2

Question 1

Evolution

Answer 1

Cumulative inherited changes in a population of organisms through time. A change in allele frequencies from one generation to the next.

Question 2

Natural selection

Answer 2

Bias in survival and fertility which causes future generations to have a better fit with the environment.

Question 3

Scientific method

Answer 3

A method of procedure that has been characterizing science since the 17th century. Consists of systematic observation, measurement, experimentation, rigorous testing, and hypothesis modification.

Question 4

What is empiricism?

Answer 4

The idea that all knowledge comes from observation and experience.

Question 5

What concept defines species?

Answer 5

A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. The species is the principal natural taxonomic unit, ranking below a genus and denoted by a Latin binomial (e.g., Homo sapiens).

Question 6

What is binomial nomenclature?

Answer 6

A species of animal or plant receives a name consisting of two terms. The first term identifies the genus to which it belongs and the second name refers to the species to which it exists.

Question 7

Comparative anatomy

Answer 7

Developed by Buffon, is a technique which compares similar structures across different species.

Question 8

Define extinct and how it changed evolutionary perspectives.

Answer 8

When there are no living members remaining of a species, family, or breed. When it was discovered that there were creatures that were extinct it caused question to the religious facts that dictated the historical facts.

Question 9

Define Catastrophism

Answer 9

The theory that the earths formation has been formed by brief but violent catastrophic events that were probably worldwide in scope.

Question 10

What is Unifornitarianism?

Answer 10

The theory that the geological process that we observe today is the same process as it was operating in the past.

Question 11

What is carrying capacity?

Answer 11

The amount of organisms an environment can comfortably support. Founded by Malthus.

Question 12

Define existant

Answer 12

Still in existence; surviving.

Question 13

What is the Fixity of Species theory?

Answer 13

Once a species is created it remains the same over time.

Question 14

What is artificial selection?

Answer 14

Human identified desirable traits sought out in plants and animals- and the subsequent actions taken to perpetuate those traits in future generations.

Question 15

What is a phenotype?

Answer 15

The visibly expressions of an individuals genotype.

Question 16

What are genes?

Answer 16

A sequence of DNA that provide coding information for the construction of proteins.

Question 17

Modern Synthesis:

Answer 17

the merging of Mendel’s genetics theories with those of Darwinian evolution theories resulting in a unified theory on evolution.

Question 18

What is gene flow?

Answer 18

The introduction of new genetic material into a region through interbreeding of two distinct populations.

Question 19

What is genetic drift?

Answer 19

Random changes in allele frequencies from one generation to the next.

Question 20

Define microevolution

Answer 20

Changes in the allele frequencies in an interbreeding population.

Question 21

Define macroevolution

Answer 21

Changes that result in the emergence of a new species.

Question 22

Speciation

Answer 22

The process by which genetically distinct species evolve from.

Question 23

What is an allele/DNA?

Answer 23

A nonidentical DNA sequence found in the same gene location on a homologous chromosome that codes for the same trait but produces a different result.

Question 24

What is a genetic drift?

Answer 24

Random changes in allele frequencies within a population from one generation to the next.

Question 25

Define gene pool

Answer 25

The entire collection of genetic material in a breeding community that can be passed from one generation to the next.

Question 26

Define Species

Answer 26

A group of living organisms consisting of individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. Ranks below a genus and is clasified by a Latin binomial

Question 27

What is creationism?

Answer 27

The belief that the universe and all of its beings were created in a divine act.

Question 28

what is intelligent design?

Answer 28

A pseudoscience based on the notion that life on earth is so complex it cannot be explained by the scientific theory and therefore it must have been created by a supernatural force.