Evolutionary Choices: Sex and Life Choices Flashcards
Life History Theory
Study of evolutionary strategies affecting reproduction.
Sexual Reproduction
Reproduction involving the combination of genetic material.
Genetic Variability
Diversity in genetic traits among offspring.
Costs of Sexual Reproduction
Energy and risks associated with finding mates.
Benefits of Sexual Reproduction
Increased adaptability through genetic recombination.
Asexual Reproduction
Reproduction without the fusion of gametes.
Bdelloid Rotifers
Asexual organisms lacking meiosis for 30 million years.
Hermaphroditism
Organisms possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
Iteroparous
Species reproducing multiple times over their lifespan.
Semelparous
Species reproducing only once in their lifetime.
Trade-offs
Balancing energy between growth, reproduction, and survival.
Life History Traits
Characteristics influencing reproductive strategies and survival.
Survivorship Curves
Graphs showing survival rates at different ages.
Type I Survivorship
High survival in early life, rapid decline later.
Type II Survivorship
Constant mortality rate throughout life stages.
Type III Survivorship
High mortality early, low rates for survivors.
Male Seahorses
Males incubate eggs internally to produce live young.
Coho Salmon Maturity
Males mature as jacks or hooknoses based on timing.
Chromosomal Sex Determination
Sex determined by specific chromosome combinations.
Temperature Sex Determination
Environmental temperatures influence sex development.
Protandrous
Species where males can change to females.
Protogynous
Species where females can change to males.
Atlantic Cod
Type III species with high fecundity and longevity.
Fecundity
Reproductive capacity of an organism.
Natural Selection
Process favoring traits that enhance reproductive success.
Darwinian Fitness
Ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.
Sex Ratio
Proportion of males to females in a population.
Life History Strategies
Patterns of growth, reproduction, and survival in species.
Age-Specific Mortality
Mortality rates varying with age in populations.
Parental Care
Investment of resources by parents in offspring survival.
