Evolution for Ecology Module Flashcards
which of the following statements about evolution and ecology is true?
a) evolutionary processes and ecological processes can occur on similar time scales
b) evolution by natural selection is generally not mediated by ecological phenomena (such as predation)
c) the evolution of a population will not affect how its members interact with individuals of other species
d) rapid evolution is possible only when a population’s chemical environment changes quickly
a is correct
Evolution and ecology are interconnected, and both can occur over various time scales, from short-term changes in populations to longer-term evolutionary changes. The other statements are not accurate regarding the relationship between evolution and ecology.
Which of the following mechanisms of evolution can act on a single population at the same time?
a) only natural selection and genetic drift can happen at the same time
b) genetic drift, migration and mutation can happen at the same time, but not with natural selection
c) natural selection, genetic drift and mutation can all happen at the same time
d) none of the above
c)
All these mechanisms can operate simultaneously within a single population, influencing its genetic makeup and evolution. Migration can also occur at the same time, but it wasn’t included in option c.
Which of the following statements about evolution is true?
a) evolution describes how an individual’s offspring develop from juveniles to adults
b) evolution can’t be observed directly, so it must be interpreted through indirect evidence
c) evolution occurs when an individual changes within its lifetime, to better fit its environment
d) selective survival and reproduction is a requirement of evolution by natural selection
d)
Natural selection involves differential survival and reproduction of individuals based on their traits, leading to changes in the population over generations. The other options do not accurately describe evolution.
if the frequency of an allele in a population has changed over generations, then evolution has occurred?
If the frequency of an allele in a population changes over generations, it indicates that evolution has occurred. This change can result from various mechanisms, such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, or gene flow. Evolution is essentially defined as a change in allele frequencies within a population over time.
in recent centuries humans have, to a greater extent than ever before in our history, moved great distances and mated with individuals who were born in different places. If this pattern continues in the future, which of the following is the most likely evolutionary consequence?
a) allele frequencies will become more similar across populations; adaptation to local conditions will be reduced
b) mechanism of evolution besides migration will cease to occur for any human population
c) the overall rate of evolution will slow down to the point of being unobservable
d) as populations become more mixed, the rate of occurrence of new mutations will be reduced
Increased migration and mating among individuals from different populations can lead to gene flow, which tends to homogenize allele frequencies. This can reduce local adaptations as genetic differences between populations diminish. The other options are not accurate regarding the effects of migration on evolution.
