Chapter 4 - Natural Selection and Behavior

Question 1

Evolution

Answer 1

Evolution can be defined as a change in the
frequencies of different alleles in a population of
organisms over generations

Question 2

Core concepts of natural selection

Answer 2

1.Individuals in a population vary (in
appearance, behavior, physiology, etc.)
2. Some variable traits are genetically-
based. They have been inherited from
parents and can be passed on to
offspring.
3. Some inherited traits increase the
survival and reproductive success
(fecundity) of species.

Question 3

adaptations

Answer 3

Traits that have evolved because they
allow individuals to survive and reproduce
more effectively than their competitors

Question 4

Reproductive Success (fitness)

Answer 4

the reproductive
success of an allele or an individual
relative to other alleles or individuals in a
population.

Question 5

What does genetic variation lead to?

Answer 5

Genetic variation leads to variation in traits,
known as phenotypic variation

Question 6

Where does Genetic Variation
Come From?

Answer 6

Mutations
Recombination

Question 7

Mutations

Answer 7

Changes in the DNA sequence of
an organism. In the context of evolution, must
occur in the DNA of sperm or eggs (or the
tissues that give rise to them). Somatic
mutations cannot be passed on to subsequent
generations.

Question 8

Recombination

Answer 8

Recombination of alleles
occurs during meiosis. Remember, only one
copy of each allele ends up in each gamete.
(Crossing-over events can lead to further
recombination.)