Exam 1: lecture 6 Flashcards
artificial selection
breeding animals for specific
traits, often outside natural processes. ex: Chickens have been bred for specific characteristics.
such as sharp claws and resilience to diseases.Over thousands of years, these breeds have been shaped for specific functions, such as meat production or disease
resistance.
meritocracy and the con to it
societal success is solely based on
individual merit and not on genetic advantage or environmental factors hypothetical model for a fairer society. if this were in place, everyones experiences would be determined solely by traits, and there would be less variation
fitness
the ability of an individual to produce offspring relative to others in the population.
Reproductive success should be determined by…
grand offspring
When are organisms considered different species? Explain the locust example
based on mismatched sexual organs or mating behaviors, even when genetic and reproductive organs align. ex: some locust species that appear identical genetically may have different mating behaviors, preventing them from interbreeding.
What causes genetic drift in breeding barriers?
Mutations and sexual recombination in these isolated populations can lead to genetic drift, where random genetic changes occur and this can result in the evolution of a new species (speciation)
convergent evolution
occurs when different species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, despite having distinct evolutionary origins. ex: Wings have evolved independently in several animal groups (insects, birds, and bats) to facilitate flight, showing convergent
evolution.
can most adults digest lactose?
no
What are rods and cones used for?
rods are seen in nocturnal animals
intelligent design
suggests that a higher intelligence must have created the world due to its intricate complexity.
why are wings in a different area than the controls?
Wings are attached to the thorax, and neural mechanisms control
their function. The neural control of the wings is positioned away from the flight muscles, suggesting that these mechanisms work independently, rather than in a combined manner for flight.
how are DNA and crystals similar?
DNA is a unique molecule because it can replicate itself by organizing chemicals to form more DNA. Crystals also share the ability to reproduce themselves when
placed in the appropriate chemical bath, similar to DNA.
kinship assistance
occurs when individuals help relatives succeed reproductively, as helping close relatives ensures the continuation of shared genetic material.
direct fitness
measured by the number of children an individual has.
indirect fitness
measured by helping relatives (kin)
reproduce, which includes their children in the overall genetic pool.
inclusive fitness
Combines direct reproduction with helping relatives (siblings, cousins) reproduce.
Kin fitness
Kin fitness refers to the genetic relationship between individuals.
which contributes to an animal’s overall fitness and reproductive
success.
reciprocal altruism
Refers to animals engaging in acts of self-sacrifice for others with the expectation of a return favor.
ex: If two animals help each other with the expectation of future help, it’s considered reciprocal altruism, not pure altruism.
mutualism
involves a simultaneous exchange of benefits where both animals gain
from the interaction at the same time, but without the expectation of future help.
what is the difference between mutualism and altruism?
Altruism focuses on one party sacrificing for the other, while mutualism involves both gaining.
pure altruism
doing something for someone you are not related to and doing something where it may not be reciprocated (ex: organ donation for someone they dont know, working in a soup kitchen, volunteering for a hotline, his favorite example: giving money to a homeless person, adopting a child when you are biologically able to have children)
concentric of concern
the closer we are to someone, the more upset we are if something happens to them
how do liberals and republicans differ in their approach?
liberals tend to show a broader concern for distant groups advocating for diversity, whereas conservatives focus on more immediate
kin altruism
helping others who have our alleles
