Evolution

Question 1

What supports the theory of evolution?

Answer 1

paleontological findings (species transitioning)
comparative biology: similar structure not because of function but of ancestry (vestigial organs); similar embryological stages

Question 2

Briefly explain the term population as used in the theory of evolution

Answer 2

population:
group of organisms of the same species living in the same place at the same time

Question 3

Briefly explain the term species as used in the theory of evolution

Answer 3

species:
group of individuals that potentially or actually interbreed in nature (not all species reproduce sexually)

Question 4

Briefly explain the term adaption as used in the theory of evolution

Answer 4

adaptation:
an inherent change in structure or behaviour that helps species or individuals to survive and reproduce in its environment

Question 5

What is the general source of evolution ?

Answer 5

individuals vary randomly in a population (variations due to DNA mutations)
variations can be inherited ( Chromosomes of parent)-> leading to evolution (accumulation of mutation)

Question 6

What is natural selection? How does it work?

Answer 6

the environment eliminates individuals with unfavorable variations
favorable variations increase survival likelihood of individuals possessing them (thus the likelihood of tier genes to pass to the next generation -> fitness)

-> changes can cause species to diverge into multiple descending species
is the driving force of evolution (adaption)
can only act on random gene mutations
can only act on heritable traits

Question 7

What is sexual selection?

Answer 7

Sexual selection( case of natural selection): traits evolve because they allow to mate more

Question 8

What is the difference between adaptive and non adaptive evolution?

Answer 8

Adaptive evolution: changes that make organisms suitable for its surrounding

Non-adaptive evolution: no increase chance of survival in environment

Question 9

When does non adaptive evolution happen? What are two non adaptive evolution reasons?

Answer 9

non adaptive evolution appears due to genetic shift:
bottleneck effect: population drastically reduced
founder effect: small population migrates -> reduces diversity

Question 10

What is specification? How does it occur?

Answer 10

Specification:
occurs when population stop DNA exchange and different mutations accumulate until they are not able to reproduce anymore (-> seen as different species)

Question 11

What are Phylogenetic Trees for? What do you need to be aware of?

Answer 11

show relationship between species based on shared ancestry
helps identify most recent common ancestor

does not indicate “advancedness” (evolution has no goal or direction !)
earlier diversion does not mean species has more ancestral traits