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Biology > Evoloution May Lead To Speciation > Flashcards

Evoloution May Lead To Speciation Flashcards

1
Q

What is speciation?

A

The process by which new species arise from existing species.

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2
Q

True or False: Speciation can occur through both gradual and sudden changes.

A

True

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3
Q

Fill in the blank: The theory that explains how species evolve over time is called __________.

A

evolution

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4
Q

What are the two main types of speciation?

A

Allopatric and sympatric speciation.

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5
Q

Multiple choice: What is the primary mechanism of allopatric speciation?

A

Geographic isolation.

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6
Q

Define genetic drift.

A

A mechanism of evolution that involves random changes in allele frequencies within a population.

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7
Q

True or False: Natural selection is a driving force behind speciation.

A

True

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8
Q

What role does reproductive isolation play in speciation?

A

It prevents different species from interbreeding, allowing for the development of distinct species.

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9
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ speciation occurs without geographic isolation.

A

Sympatric

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10
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following can lead to reproductive isolation?

A

Behavioral differences, temporal differences, and mechanical differences.

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11
Q

What is the significance of the founder effect in speciation?

A

It can lead to reduced genetic diversity and the establishment of new species from a small population.

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12
Q

True or False: Hybridization can lead to the formation of new species.

A

True

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13
Q

What is adaptive radiation?

A

The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.

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14
Q

Define ecological niche.

A

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

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15
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a factor that can contribute to speciation?

A

Environmental changes, genetic mutations, and sexual selection.

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16
Q

What is the difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation?

A

Allopatric speciation occurs due to geographic separation, while sympatric speciation occurs without physical barriers.

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17
Q

True or False: Speciation is a slow and gradual process that takes millions of years.

A

False

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18
Q

What is the biological species concept?

A

A definition of species based on the ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: The process by which populations evolve to become more suited to their environment is called __________.

A

adaptation

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20
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a barrier to gene flow?

A

Mountain ranges.

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21
Q

What is the role of mutation in evolution?

A

Mutations introduce new genetic variations that can be acted upon by natural selection.

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22
Q

True or False: All species are constantly evolving.

A

True

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23
Q

Define convergent evolution.

A

The process where unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

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24
Q

What is divergent evolution?

A

The process in which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time.

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25
Q

Multiple choice: Which factor is NOT a mechanism of evolution?

A

Cultural transmission.

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26
Q

What is the effect of geographical barriers on speciation?

A

They can lead to the separation of populations, promoting allopatric speciation.

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27
Q

True or False: Sexual selection can lead to speciation.

A

True

28
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ isolation occurs when species breed at different times.

A

Temporal

29
Q

What is a key characteristic of a species?

A

The ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

30
Q

Multiple choice: Which type of isolation is caused by differences in mating behaviors?

A

Behavioral isolation.

31
Q

What role does climate change play in speciation?

A

It can alter habitats and create new selective pressures, leading to speciation.

32
Q

True or False: Geographic isolation is the only way speciation can occur.

A

False

33
Q

Define phylogenetic tree.

A

A diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences.

34
Q

What is the importance of genetic variation in a population?

A

It provides the raw material for evolution and adaptation.

35
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following can lead to sympatric speciation?

A

Polyploidy.

36
Q

What is the significance of the punctuated equilibrium model?

A

It suggests that species remain relatively unchanged for long periods, interrupted by brief periods of rapid change.

37
Q

True or False: The fossil record provides direct evidence of speciation events.

A

True

38
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of natural selection is driven by __________.

A

environmental pressures

39
Q

What is the role of sexual selection in evolution?

A

It can lead to the development of traits that improve mating success.

40
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of adaptive radiation?

A

Darwin’s finches.

41
Q

What is the difference between macroevolution and microevolution?

A

Macroevolution refers to large-scale evolutionary changes, while microevolution refers to small-scale changes within a species.

42
Q

True or False: Allopatric speciation often involves the formation of new species after a geographic barrier is removed.

A

False

43
Q

Define allopatric speciation.

A

Speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated from each other.

44
Q

What are prezygotic barriers?

A

Factors that prevent mating or fertilization between species.

45
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a prezygotic barrier?

A

Temporal isolation.

46
Q

What is the difference between habitat isolation and temporal isolation?

A

Habitat isolation occurs due to different living environments, while temporal isolation occurs due to different breeding times.

47
Q

True or False: Speciation can only occur in sexually reproducing organisms.

A

False

48
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for the process by which one species splits into two or more distinct species.

A

Speciation

49
Q

What is the role of the environment in speciation?

A

It provides selective pressures that can lead to adaptations and the emergence of new species.

50
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a result of speciation?

A

Increased genetic similarity between populations.

51
Q

What is the significance of reproductive barriers in the context of speciation?

A

They prevent gene flow between populations, allowing them to evolve independently.

52
Q

True or False: Once a species has formed, it cannot change.

A

False

53
Q

Define sympatric speciation.

A

Speciation that occurs without geographic separation, often through mechanisms like polyploidy.

54
Q

What is the primary effect of polyploidy in plants?

A

It can lead to the formation of new species through instant reproductive isolation.

55
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a postzygotic barrier?

A

Hybrid inviability.

56
Q

What is the significance of ecological speciation?

A

It occurs when reproductive barriers evolve as a result of adaptation to different environments.

57
Q

True or False: Evolutionary change can occur rapidly under certain conditions.

A

True

58
Q

Fill in the blank: The __________ model of speciation suggests that species evolve in a slow and gradual manner.

A

gradualistic

59
Q

What is the impact of human activities on speciation?

A

Human activities can disrupt habitats and lead to extinction, affecting the process of speciation.

60
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following factors can lead to increased speciation rates?

A

Increased habitat diversity.

61
Q

What is the role of niche differentiation in speciation?

A

It allows species to exploit different resources, reducing competition and promoting speciation.

62
Q

True or False: Speciation is a linear process.

A

False

63
Q

Define the term ‘adaptive evolution’.

A

Evolution that results in a better fit between organisms and their environment.

64
Q

What is the significance of the concept of ‘fitness’ in evolution?

A

It refers to an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

65
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution?

A

Artificial selection.

66
Q

What is a postzygotic barrier?

A

A reproductive barrier that occurs after fertilization, affecting the viability or fertility of the hybrid.

67
Q

True or False: Speciation can result from both natural and artificial selection.

A

True

Biology (28 decks)

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