Exam 1 Study Guide: Adaptations to Variable Environments

Question 1

Define phenotype plasticity. Interpret graphs comparing phenotypes, fitness, and environments.

Answer 1

The ability of a single genotype to produce different phenotypes in response to
environmental variation. Graphs comparing phenotypes, fitness, and environments
illustrate reaction norms, showing how traits change across conditions. A steep slope
indicates high plasticity, while a flat line suggests a fixed trait.

Question 2

Compare behavioral responses to physiological ones.

Answer 2

-Behavioral responses are rapid and often reversible – moving to shade when its hot

• Physiological responses are internal adjustments that can take time – adjusting to high altitudes

Question 3

What is the relationship between lifespan and environmental fluctuations?

Answer 3

Short lived: rapid reproductive cycles and adapt to changing conditions

Long lived: buffered against fluctuations but rely on stable conditions for
reproductive success

Question 4

Give examples of variable biotic environmental conditions, abiotic environmental conditions, and variable environmental conditions

Answer 4

Biotic: competition, predation, food availability

Abiotic: temp, water availability, pH

Combined: seasonal shifts, climate change, fires

Question 5

Foraging in patchy environments/central place foraging. Be able to interpret the graphical model and its variants.

Answer 5

Patchy: resources are unevenly distributed requiring strategic foraging

Central place: organisms return to a central location (nest) after collecting
resources

Marginal value theorem predicts when an animal should leave a patch based on
diminishing returns.