Lecture 7 - Building Evolutionary Theory Flashcards
What makes the theory of evolution by natural selection a good theory?
- It can be applied very generally/widely
- It explains a lot about the differences we see about organisms in the natural world.
Who invented the theory of competitive exclusion?
Gause
What is the theory of competitive exclusion?
That complete competitors cannot coexist.
Give an example of competitive exclusion.
Parameciums grown in same conditions separately grow up well.
When grown together, one species almost completely outcompetes the other.
Give an example of a famous study that the theory of competitive exclusion can be applied to.
The Galapagos Finches.
Species compete with one another and push each other into slightly different niches, leading to evolution of different beak shapes and sizes.
What does competitive exclusion lead to?
Either
- Niche shifts
- Extinction of the outcompeted species
What is kin selection theory?
A behaviour that is favoured when it leads to a net increase in the inclusive fitness of the individual; no. of indv’s alleles in next generation, inc those shared by kin.
Who invented kin selection theory?
J. B. S. Haldane OR Hamilton
Give the three steps to building an evolutionary theory.
1) Begin with assumptions.
2) Develop a model, e.g. computer simulations.
3) Validate our model, e.g. through a valid repeatable experiment.
What can never be guaranteed in a hypothesis?
Verification
Who said “science doesn’t prove anything, it only falsifies hypotheses”?
Sir Karl Raimund Popper
Does kin selection theory make qualitative or quantitative predictions?
Qualitative
Does Kimura’s neutral theory make qualitative or quantitative predictions?
Quantitative
What allows for easier falsification: qualitative or quantitative predictions?
Quantitative
Give the equation for when an altruistic act is able to spread through a population.
Benefit to the recipient x Relatedness coefficient (greater than) Cost to the altruist
