Intro to Evolutionary Bio

Question 1

Define evolution.

Answer 1

A change in in the frequency of an allele or genotype through time within a population

Question 2

Define allele.

Answer 2

Unique copy of a gene

Question 3

Define genotype

Answer 3

Individuals that share the same set of alleles at 1+ loci

Question 4

Define population

Answer 4

Group of interbreeding individuals

Question 5

Define phenotypic evolution

Answer 5

When a change in the frequency of alleles or genotypes cause a change in the distribution of phenotypic traits within a population.

Question 6

Define phenotypic trait

Answer 6

Any characteristic of an organism.

Question 7

Give examples of phenotypic traits.

Answer 7

• Eye colour
• Height
• Weight
• Behaviour
• Physiological response

Question 8

Define evolutionary biology

Answer 8

The scientific discipline that tests hypotheses proposed to explain evolutionary processes an patterns associated with organic evolution (i.e., the evolution of life).

Question 9

Why is evolutionary biology important for our understanding of general biology? (3)

Answer 9

• Evolution explains the history and diversity of life on Earth
• Evolution can explain and possibly predict the changes made by climate change and their impact on life and evolution
• Evolution has created many debates

Question 10

Give examples of current scientific debates revolving around evolutionary biology?

Answer 10

o What are the mechanisms of evolution?
o How does evolution shape the world around us?

Question 11

How is evolutionary biology important in our understanding of human society? (5)

Answer 11

• Evolution explains how household pests have adapted to insecticides
• Agricultural pests evolve adaptations to tolerate transgenic resistance genes
• Evolution revolutionized farming
• Evolution has revolutionized livestock farming
• Evolution gave us our pets

Question 12

How is evolutionary biology important in our understanding of human health?

Answer 12

• Evolution helps us understand changes to viruses and allows us to develop vaccines

Question 13

Give an example of how evolutionary biology helps us understand viruses.

Answer 13

o E.g., spike proteins on influenza viruses mutate, leading to changes in how they interact with cells, producing new and distinct lineages
o Explains why we need a flu shot every year – protect against the lineages popular at that time