Chapter 20- Patterns of Inheritance and Variation

Question 1

Define evolution

Answer 1

The long-term change in the allele frequency of a population.

Question 2

Define allele frequency

Answer 2

The relative frequency of a particular allele in a population.

Question 3

What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle state?

Answer 3

In a stable population with no disturbing factors, the allele frequency will remain constant from one generation to the next and there will be no evolution.

Question 4

Define density-dependent factors

Answer 4

They are dependant on population size and include competition, predation etc.

Question 5

Define density-independent factors

Answer 5

They affect population of all sizes in the same way including climate change, natural disasters and seasonal change etc.

Question 6

Define population bottlenecks

Answer 6

Large reductions in population size which last for at least one generation

Question 7

Define speciation

Answer 7

Formation of new species through the process of evolution

Question 8

Define allopatric speciation

Answer 8

Type of speciation where some members of a population are separated from the rest of the group by a physical barrier e.g. a river

Question 9

Define sympatric speciation

Answer 9

Occurs within populations that share the same habitat. An example is when different species interbreed, forming an infertile offspring.

Question 10

Define wildtype allele

Answer 10

The allele coding for the most common characteristic