Evoloution May Lead To Speciation Flashcards
What is speciation?
The process by which new species arise from existing species.
True or False: Speciation can occur through both gradual and sudden changes.
True
Fill in the blank: The theory that explains how species evolve over time is called __________.
evolution
What are the two main types of speciation?
Allopatric and sympatric speciation.
Multiple choice: What is the primary mechanism of allopatric speciation?
Geographic isolation.
Define genetic drift.
A mechanism of evolution that involves random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
True or False: Natural selection is a driving force behind speciation.
True
What role does reproductive isolation play in speciation?
It prevents different species from interbreeding, allowing for the development of distinct species.
Fill in the blank: __________ speciation occurs without geographic isolation.
Sympatric
Multiple choice: Which of the following can lead to reproductive isolation?
Behavioral differences, temporal differences, and mechanical differences.
What is the significance of the founder effect in speciation?
It can lead to reduced genetic diversity and the establishment of new species from a small population.
True or False: Hybridization can lead to the formation of new species.
True
What is adaptive radiation?
The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.
Define ecological niche.
The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a factor that can contribute to speciation?
Environmental changes, genetic mutations, and sexual selection.
What is the difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation?
Allopatric speciation occurs due to geographic separation, while sympatric speciation occurs without physical barriers.
True or False: Speciation is a slow and gradual process that takes millions of years.
False
What is the biological species concept?
A definition of species based on the ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring.
Fill in the blank: The process by which populations evolve to become more suited to their environment is called __________.
adaptation
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a barrier to gene flow?
Mountain ranges.
What is the role of mutation in evolution?
Mutations introduce new genetic variations that can be acted upon by natural selection.
True or False: All species are constantly evolving.
True
Define convergent evolution.
The process where unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
What is divergent evolution?
The process in which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time.
Multiple choice: Which factor is NOT a mechanism of evolution?
Cultural transmission.
What is the effect of geographical barriers on speciation?
They can lead to the separation of populations, promoting allopatric speciation.
True or False: Sexual selection can lead to speciation.
True
Fill in the blank: __________ isolation occurs when species breed at different times.
Temporal
What is a key characteristic of a species?
The ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Multiple choice: Which type of isolation is caused by differences in mating behaviors?
Behavioral isolation.
What role does climate change play in speciation?
It can alter habitats and create new selective pressures, leading to speciation.
True or False: Geographic isolation is the only way speciation can occur.
False
Define phylogenetic tree.
A diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences.
What is the importance of genetic variation in a population?
It provides the raw material for evolution and adaptation.
Multiple choice: Which of the following can lead to sympatric speciation?
Polyploidy.
What is the significance of the punctuated equilibrium model?
It suggests that species remain relatively unchanged for long periods, interrupted by brief periods of rapid change.
True or False: The fossil record provides direct evidence of speciation events.
True
Fill in the blank: The process of natural selection is driven by __________.
environmental pressures
What is the role of sexual selection in evolution?
It can lead to the development of traits that improve mating success.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of adaptive radiation?
Darwin’s finches.
What is the difference between macroevolution and microevolution?
Macroevolution refers to large-scale evolutionary changes, while microevolution refers to small-scale changes within a species.
True or False: Allopatric speciation often involves the formation of new species after a geographic barrier is removed.
False
Define allopatric speciation.
Speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated from each other.
What are prezygotic barriers?
Factors that prevent mating or fertilization between species.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a prezygotic barrier?
Temporal isolation.
What is the difference between habitat isolation and temporal isolation?
Habitat isolation occurs due to different living environments, while temporal isolation occurs due to different breeding times.
True or False: Speciation can only occur in sexually reproducing organisms.
False
Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for the process by which one species splits into two or more distinct species.
Speciation
What is the role of the environment in speciation?
It provides selective pressures that can lead to adaptations and the emergence of new species.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a result of speciation?
Increased genetic similarity between populations.
What is the significance of reproductive barriers in the context of speciation?
They prevent gene flow between populations, allowing them to evolve independently.
True or False: Once a species has formed, it cannot change.
False
Define sympatric speciation.
Speciation that occurs without geographic separation, often through mechanisms like polyploidy.
What is the primary effect of polyploidy in plants?
It can lead to the formation of new species through instant reproductive isolation.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a postzygotic barrier?
Hybrid inviability.
What is the significance of ecological speciation?
It occurs when reproductive barriers evolve as a result of adaptation to different environments.
True or False: Evolutionary change can occur rapidly under certain conditions.
True
Fill in the blank: The __________ model of speciation suggests that species evolve in a slow and gradual manner.
gradualistic
What is the impact of human activities on speciation?
Human activities can disrupt habitats and lead to extinction, affecting the process of speciation.
Multiple choice: Which of the following factors can lead to increased speciation rates?
Increased habitat diversity.
What is the role of niche differentiation in speciation?
It allows species to exploit different resources, reducing competition and promoting speciation.
True or False: Speciation is a linear process.
False
Define the term ‘adaptive evolution’.
Evolution that results in a better fit between organisms and their environment.
What is the significance of the concept of ‘fitness’ in evolution?
It refers to an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution?
Artificial selection.
What is a postzygotic barrier?
A reproductive barrier that occurs after fertilization, affecting the viability or fertility of the hybrid.
True or False: Speciation can result from both natural and artificial selection.
True
