Lecture 15: RTL & Reproduction Strategies Continued

Question 1

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 1

A testable, tentative explanation.

Question 2

What is a theory?

Answer 2

An explanation of natural phenomena.

Question 3

What is a prediction?

Answer 3

What the scientists expect to observe when they test their hypothesis.

Question 4

Does a theory ever become a law?

Answer 4

No.

A theory is an explanation of natural phenomena. A law is a description of natural phenomena. They can co-exist.

Question 5

What caused sexual reproduction to be so common? Why?

Answer 5

Co-evolution with parasites.

It allows greater diversity of offspring. Creates an “arms race” between the two organisms – Sexual reproduction allows for fast adaptation.
Red Queen Hypothesis.

Question 6

What is the Red Queen Hypothesis?

Answer 6

As pathogens evolve to get the most out of their host, the host also evolves to minimize the impact of pathogens.

Question 7

What does dioecy describe?

Answer 7

Separate male and female plants.

Question 8

Are most plants dioecian or hermaphroditic?

Answer 8

Hermaphroditic.

Question 9

What are the two main types of hermaphroditism?

Answer 9

1. Simultaneous hermaphrodites: both sexes present at once. (Most).
2. Sequential hermaphrodites: Male and female functions occur at different times.