Evolution Flashcards
Define: EVOLUTION
biological change in the characteristics of a population over time
(genetic change in population over generations)
What is Small-scale Evolution
changes in gene frequency in a
population from one generation to the next
What is Large-scale Evolution
the descent of different species from a common ancestor over
many generations
Darwin & Wallace’s basic evolutionary theory CONDITIONS
- Intrinsic increase in number of individuals within a species
- Competition for limited resources
- Survival of the few
4 Evolutionary Forces:
- Natural selection
- Mutation
- Gene flow (migration & reproduction)
- Random genetic drift
Darwins 5 Observations:
- Organisms have great potential fertility, which permits exponential growth of populations (source: Thomas malthus)
- Natural populations normally don’t increase exponentially but remain about the same
- Natural resources are limited
- Variation occurs among organisms within populations
- Variation is heritable
Darwin’s 3 Inferences
Inference 1: A struggle for existence occurs among organisms in a population (Source: Thomas Malthus)
Inference 2: Varying organisms show differential survival and reproduction, favouring advantageous traits (= natural selection).
Inference 3: Natural selection, acting over many generations, gradually produces new adaptations and new species
Population Definition
A group, within a species of interbreeding individuals and their offspring in the same geographic location
Gene Definition
The unit of inheritance affecting the characteristics of a trait
Allele Definition
– One of two or more alternative expressions of a gene
Genotype Definition
The Genetic Makeup of an individual
Phenotype Definition
The expression of the genotype & environment
Gene Pool
All genes in the eggs & sperm in a population
HOW DO NEW TRAITS ARISE? (Mutation - Definition)
Mutation – A spontaneous error in DNA replication leading to a heritable change in an individual’s genome – It is NOT “a change in the genetic code” (Relethford)
For mutation to be heritable it must occur in sex cell. If occurs in body cell (somatic cell, cannot be passed on)
heritable change in DNA
HOW ARE NEW GENETIC COMBINATIONS CREATED?
- Crossing over during meiosis
* Sexual reproduction
Fitness
Fitness = survival + reproductive success
Natural Selection Definition
“The preservation of favourable individual differences and variations, and the destruction of those which are injurious, I have called Natural Selection” – Charles Darwin, “The Origin of Species”
SELECTION PRESSURES:
• Biotic factors o Competition o Predation o Disease • Abiotic factors o Climate o Topography