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Human Biology Unit 4 > Evolution > Flashcards

Evolution Flashcards

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1
Q

Causes of variation

A
  1. random assortment
  2. crossing over
  3. non-dysjunction
  4. random fertilisation
  5. mutation
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2
Q

Random Assortment

A

chromosomes sorted into daughter cells randomly; many possible combinations of chromosomes coming from both mother and female

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3
Q

Crossing Over

A

Homologous pairs exchange different segments of genetic material

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4
Q

Non-dysjunction

A

Failure of chromatids to separate during meiosis

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5
Q

Random fertilisation

A

Any sperm can fertilise any ovum

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6
Q

Mutations

A

Permanent changes in the DNA - may result in new characteristics

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7
Q

Species

A

Organisms with shared characteristics that can produce fertile offspring

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8
Q

Population

A

A group of organisms of the same species living in a particular place at a particular time

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9
Q

Gene pool

A

The sum of alleles in a given population - can change over time (increase/decrease)

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10
Q

Allele frequencies

A

Measured in % - shows the frequency of a certain trait in a population

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11
Q

Allele frequency of cystic fibrosis

A

95% of population don’t carry CFTR gene - 5% frequency of cystic fibrosis allele

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12
Q

Evolution

A

Gradual change in phenotype thought to be caused by a change in allele frequency

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13
Q

Causes of Changes to Allele frequency

A
  1. Mutations
  2. Natural Selection
  3. Random Genetic Drift
  4. Migration
  5. Barriers to Gene Flow
  6. Genetic Diseases
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14
Q

Random mutations

A

Only a small section of DNA is affected, altering a single gene

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15
Q

Chromosomal mutations

A

many genes or the entire chromosome is affected

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16
Q

Somatic mutations (random mutations)

A

body cells experience mutation - dies out with organism

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17
Q

Germline mutations (random mutations)

A

Offspring from the affected gamete will inherit the gene; the individual is unaffected

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18
Q

Natural selection

A

Selection pressures make traits more favourable for survival - passed onto offspring

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19
Q

Random Genetic Drift

A

Usually only occurs in small populations - by chance, allele frequency changes (the traits aren’t advantageous)

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20
Q

Examples of Random Genetic Drift

A

Dunkers - small religious groups in Germany only intermarry; allele frequencies for blood groupings, mid-digital hair, ear lobes and handedness are different to the general population

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21
Q

Founder Effect

A

Allele frequency of emigrating group is different from the original population (Islander population vs Mainland)

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22
Q

Achromatopsia

A

Inherited total colour blindness - only 20 people survived following typhoon on Micronesian Island; allele frequency high

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23
Q

Migration

A

The gene flow from one population to another - individuals joining the population change the allele frequencies

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24
Q

Barriers to Gene Flow

A

Prevent interbreeding between populations - isolated population may be subjected to different environments with different selection pressures = different gene pools

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25
Q

Genetic Diseases

A

Expected that the frequency of a disease allele will decrease in population over time

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26
Q

Tay-Sachs Disease

A

Recessive autosomal disease
Homozygotes lack enzyme = build up of lipids in NS, die by 5 - high in Jewish populations because heterozygotes have immunity to tuberculosis

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27
Q

Sickle Cell anemia

A

Allele frequency high in African countries - heterozygotes have resistance to malaria

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28
Q

Natural Selection - Observations

A
  1. variation exists
  2. birth rate exceeds resource avaliability
  3. Nature’s balance - high birth rates, yet populations are stable
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29
Q

Struggle for existence

A

Organisms with variations that best suit their environment will survive

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30
Q

Speciation - steps

A
  1. variation (exists)
  2. isolation (occurs)
  3. selection (occurs)
  4. speciation
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31
Q

Speciation

A

Resulting changes in gene frequencies make it impossible for the two groups to interbreed

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32
Q

Effect of evolution

A

increase in the frequency of advantageous alleles, decrease in the frequency of disadvantageous alleles

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33
Q

Evidence for evolution

A
  1. fossils
  2. comparative studies
  3. geographical distribution
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34
Q

Comparative studies

A

Comparative biochemistry & comparative anatomy

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35
Q

Comparative biochemistry

A

DNA
Mitochondrial DNA
Protein sequences
Genomics

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36
Q

Comparative anatomy

A

Embryonlogy
Homologous structures
Vestigial organs

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37
Q

Comparative biochemistry - theory

A

Supports the ida that organisms are related to each other (share common ancestor) - gradual differences in DNA as organisms become more distantly related

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38
Q

Junk DNA

A

Non-coding DNA; the more closely related organisms are, the more junk DNA they have in common

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39
Q

Endogenous Retroviruses (ERV)

A

Viral sequence becomes part of organisms DNA (junk) - makes up 8% of genome; distant relations have less ERV in common

40
Q

Mitochondrial DNA

A

Inherited through the maternal line

Has a higher number of mutations than nuclear DNA’ the number of mutations is proportional to the amount of time passed

41
Q

Protein sequences

A

animals from the same species have identical aa proteins in DNA; degree of similarity determined by comparing the type and sequence of amino acids

42
Q

Ubiquitous proteins

A

carry out the same function in all animals (cytochrome c)- supports the theory of the common ancestor

43
Q

Comparative genomics

A

differences and similarities between genomes determine relationship

44
Q

Embryology

A

study of embryo and its growth; all vertebrate embryos has gill arches and sacs, lack appendages and substantial tails

45
Q

Homologous structures

A

Organs that are a similar structure but used for different functions (front limb)

46
Q

Vestigial organs

A

Structures of reduced size that have no function (nictating membrane, hair on body)

47
Q

Geographical dating

A

Isolated regions lead to unique characteristics that suit their environment
Eg. Finches on Galapagos, marsupials in Australi

48
Q

Fossils

A

Any preserved trace or evidence left by a previously living organism
Teeth, footprints, faeces, burrows, egg shells

49
Q

Fossil Formation

A
  1. A quick burial of remains
  2. The presence of hard body parts
  3. An absence of decay organisms (bacteria)
  4. Long period of stability

Drifting sand, mud, volcanic ash enhances fossil formation
Alkaline soils
Wet, acid soils with no oxygen = complete preservation of bones and tissues

50
Q

Absolute Dating

A

The actual age of the fossil

Radiocarbon dating, potassium-argon dating, tree ring dating

51
Q

Radiocarbon dating

A

Method based on the decay of C14 to nitrogen
N14 enters the atmosphere; decays to C14
Vegetation use C14 in photosynthesis
Other organisms eat vegetation – enters body
After death, C14 decays
C14 is measured to determine the absolute age of organism

52
Q

Radiocarbon dating - positives

A

Absolute form of dating

Only form of dating for organic matter

53
Q

Radiocarbon dating - negatives

A

Requires 3 grams of organic material

Cannot date past 60 000 years

54
Q

Potassium-Argon dating

A

Measuring the amount of potassium compared to calcium and argon

  • Young = ↑ K
  • Old = ↓ K, ↑Ca, Ar
55
Q

Potassium-Argon dating - positives

A

Only method to date rocks

Dates really old things; 200 000 years old

56
Q

Potassium-Argon dating - negatives

A

Hard to date young rocks – ½ life is long

Only date igneous rocks

57
Q

Tree ring dating

A

Study concentric rings on tree trunk to determine age and growing conditions of season

58
Q

Tree ring dating - positives

A

Provides accurate dates as far back as 8600 years
Easy to read
Can be used to relative date civilisation

59
Q

Tree ring dating - negatives

A

Trees can be destroyed

Only useful is

60
Q

Relative dating

A

determining age of fossil compared to something else

Stratigraphy, fluorine dating

61
Q

Stratigraphy

A

Deeper layers are older

Affected by folding, faulting, and erosion

62
Q

Index fossils

A

Widely distributed for a short period of time (pollen)

63
Q

Fluorine dating

A

Comparing the amount of fluorine ions in the fossil - over time other particles in the fossil are replaced by fluorine
Relative because fluorine levels vary from place to place and time to time

64
Q

Binomial nomenclature

A

All organisms are named according to their genus and species
Homo sapiens
Pongids – Orang-utan
Gorillini – Gorilla
Panini – Chimpanzee
Primates are animals belonging to the Order primate

65
Q

Primate Characteristics (15)

A 
Unspecialised body
Unspecialised limbs
Pentadactyl
Grasping digits with friction ridges
Opposable first digit
Forward facing eyes (stereoscopic vision)
Colour vision
Reduced sense of smell
4 incisors in top and bottom jaws
Relatively large and complex brain
Larger cerebrum in more complex primates
Can reproduce throughout the year
Rhythmical sexual cycle
Usually one offspring at a time
Long period of parental care
66
Q

Changes in characteristics - evolutionary trends

A

Digits, cerebral cortex, vision, gestation and parental care, dentition

67
Q

Evolutionary trends - digits

A

5 digits; high mobile due to arboreal ancestry
Digits are prehensile
Thumbs are opposable and independent
Humans lack opposable toe
Nails instead of claws - easier to grasp
Friction ridges increase grip
Old world monkeys and humans have a precision grip

68
Q

Evolutionary trends - vision

A

With evolution, face become flatter, cranium becomes larger
Forward facing eyes allow stereoscopic vision
Also led to a narrow field of vision – compensated for with a highly mobile neck
Rods and cones in retina – rods allow vision in dim light, cones deal with fine visual discrimination and colour vision

69
Q

Evolutionary trends - cerebral cortex

A

Responsible for complex functions
Vision, memory, reasoning, manipulative ability
Larger cerebral cortex = more accurate visual and tactile perception, better coordination
Number of cerebral convolutions increases with evolution
Tool making over tool use
Behavioural responses – grooming, allies, enemies

70
Q

Evolutionary trends - gestation and parental care

A

Not restricted to limited reproductive season – rhythmical
Long periods of parental care
Apes and humans have a very effective placenta
Longer gestation period = brain development
Long parental care; delayed maturation, attain sexual maturity later
Long maturation gives long period of learning
Prolonged parental care increases survival chances

71
Q

Evolutionary trends - dentition

A

More cusps on molars – 5 on humans
Less teeth
Flattened teeth
Diastemma appear – OWM

72
Q

Hominids

A

homo sapiens, panini, gorillini, pongid

73
Q

Homininae

A

gorillini, panini, homo sapiens

74
Q

Hominins

A

homo sapiens and caveman ancestors

75
Q

Greater apes

A

Larger overall body size, less pronounced arm:leg difference, larger brains, prominent facial features, omnivores
Orang utans, gorilla, chimpanzee

76
Q

Lesser apes

A

Smaller, long and thin arms, vegetarian

gibbons and siamangs

77
Q

Adaptations

A

characteristics that help an organism to survive and reproduce in its natural environment

78
Q

Human adaptations

A

position of foreman magnum, jaw size, spinal curvature, pelvis, carrying angle, the knee, foot arches, centre of gravity,

79
Q

Position of foreman magnum - adaptation

A

Directly under the skull in humans
In quadrupeds, it’s further to the back of the head
Allows it to balance on top of the vertebral column
Non-humans have much stronger neck muscles

80
Q

Spine curvature - adaptation

A

Double curvature; s-shaped spine
Curves bring the head directly over the hips
The centre of gravity runs straight through the head and spine

81
Q

Jaw size - adaptation

A

Human jaw is smaller and less prognatic
Allows skull to balance on the spine – weight in front of foramen magnum is approximately the same as the weight behind it

82
Q

Pelvis - adaptation

A

Hip joint is directly under the head and trunk
Supports the abdominal organs during upright stance
Broad hip bones provide space for large buttock muscles to attach

83
Q

Carrying angle - adaptation

A

The carrying angle ensures weight distribution remains close to the central axis
Femurs converge towards knees
Enables body to rotate about lower leg and foot – produces striding gait
Weight transmitted through outside of femur

84
Q

The knee - adaptations

A

Weight is transmitted down outside of the femur to the knee

No energy required to support body in standing position – ligaments naturally resist bending backwards

85
Q

The foot - adaptations

A 
Human foot doesn’t have an opposable toe
No longer prehensile 
Longitudinal and transverse arch 
Non-humans only have a longitudinal arch 
Arches facilitate striding gait
86
Q

Centre of gravity - adaptations

A

centre of gravity
Allows greater stability during striding
Longer legs facilitate longer steps when striding

87
Q

Stance and locomotion - adaptations

A

Distinguishing feature is striding gait
Muscle tone; Partial contraction of many skeletal muscles
Facilitates posture
Requires sustained muscle tone
Supports upright stance; spine, hip, knee, ankle, abdomen
Nervous system and sense organ work together to maintain postural equilibrium
Striding gait – hip and knee are fully extended
Weight is distributed from heel to ball of foot, then through big toe
Big toe is parallel – for weight bearing rather than grasping
Trunk rotates about pelvis – arms swing in opposite direction to reduce energy
Carrying angle allows body to rotate about the lower leg and foot

88
Q

Tool culture trend

A

With evolution, tools become more refined; sharper, made with more detail and more flakes removed

89
Q

Oldowan Tool

A

(pebble tool) Used by homo habilis, used by Australopithecines
Simple, crudely fashioned - round cobble with top knocked off
Used to exploit environment; hunting fish, sharing food

90
Q

Acheulian Tool

A

(hand axe) used by homo erectus
Usually ‘tear drop’ shape, many more flakes removed than oldowan tool
Pointy top and wide flat base
Butchering large game, scalping/removing skins & hides

91
Q

Mousterian Tool

A

(Flake tool) used by neanderthal man
Smaller flakes removed, spear heads attached to wooden shaft
Used to prepare animal hide to make specific clothes and tents

92
Q

Upper Palaeolithic tools

A

(blade tools) used by homo sapien, cromagnon man
Sharper, pointer, different materials used (ivory)
hunting, ornamental; tools were specific (hooks, needles)

93
Q

Old World Monkey

A

Closer to modern man, better developed brain, sensitive fingerpads, rods and cones, larger in size, flat fingernails instead of claws
Either arboreal or on land
Rhesus monkey, baboons

94
Q

New World Monkeys

A

Arboreal lifestyle, sharp claws, prehensile tail

Marmosets, spider monkey

95
Q

Bipedalism - advantages

A
  1. Greater field of view
  2. Increased ability to deter predators due to increased height
  3. Hands are free for carrying/making tools
  4. Higher reach when picking fruit
  5. Increased cooling ability

Human Biology Unit 4 (6 decks)

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