Evolution Flashcards
What is evolution?
The change over time in the proportion of individuals in a population differing in one of more inherited traits
What is an allele?
A different forms a gene
During evolution, changes in allele frequency occur due to…
Non-random processes of natural and sexual selection and random process of genetic drift
Selection results in the non-random…
Increase in frequency of advantageous alleles
Decrease in frequency of deleterious alleles
What does natural selection act on?
Genetic variation within a population
What does variation in traits arise as a result of?
Mutation- the original source of new DNA sequences
What are novel alleles?
New versions of genes
New DNA sequences can be…
Novel alleles
Most mutations are…
Harmful or neutral but in rare cases can be beneficial to the fitness of the individual
Stages of natural selection
- Population produces more offspring than the environment can support
- Individuals with variations that are better suited to their environment tend to survive longer and produce more offspring
- Breeding passes on those alleles that confer an advantage to the next generation
What is sexual selection?
Non-random process involving the selection of alleles that increase an individuals chances of mating and producing offspring
Sexual selection can be due to…
Male-male rivalry or female choice
What is male-male rivalry?
When size, strength or weaponry increases males’ access to females through conflict, large size and weaponry often go hand in hand
e.g. elephant seal (large size) and stag (weaponry)
Alleles that increase an individual’s chances of mating and producing offspring are…
Species specific
Larger, stronger and greater weaponry leads to a…
Successful male as these are fitness characteristics that will be advantageous to offspring
Female choice involves…
Females assessing the fitness of males during rutting season and lekking
What is rutting season?
A recurrent period of sexual excitement and reproductive activity in certain male ruminants
What is lek-mating?
A lek is an aggression of male animals gathered to engage in competitive displays to entice visiting females surveying prospective partners for fitness
Females assess… of the fitness of males
Honest signals
What do honest signals indicate?
Favourable alleles that increase the chances of offspring survival
Low parasite burden suggesting a healthy individual