Topic 2 Human Evolution Flashcards
What is genetic variation?
Genetic variation exists among individuals and populations, influencing health-related traits.
What do genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identify?
GWAS identify genetic variations associated with specific traits.
How does population structure impact genetic variation?
Population structure impacts genetic variation due to geographic (subdivisions) and reproductive barriers.
What does the Out of Africa model explain?
The Out of Africa model explains human dispersal, with genetic bottlenecks reducing diversity in populations further from Africa.
What are founder effects?
the reduction in genetic variability that occurs when a small group of individuals becomes separated from a larger population.
Founder effects shape genetic diversity across populations.
What is evolutionary mismatch?
Evolutionary mismatch occurs when an organism’s genetics are suited for past environments but no longer align with current conditions.
What is geo-evolutionary mismatch?
Geo-evolutionary mismatch occurs when migration exposes populations to environments they are not adapted to.
What is environmental change mismatch?
Environmental change mismatch occurs when rapid cultural or ecological changes outpace biological adaptation.
Fill in the blank: Skin color and UV exposure relate to _______.
Melanin levels evolved for regional UV levels, affecting vitamin D synthesis and folate preservation.
How have Tibetans and Andeans adapted to high altitudes?
Tibetans and Andeans evolved traits for low oxygen environments, whereas newcomers experience altitude sickness.
What dietary shifts have led to nutritional deficiencies?
Agricultural diets led to nutritional deficiencies and dental issues.
What are the consequences of industrialized diets?
Industrialized diets cause metabolic syndromes (obesity, diabetes).
How does past selection affect modern activity levels?
Past selection for energy conservation contributes to modern sedentary lifestyle issues.
What is the hygiene hypothesis?
The hygiene hypothesis states that reduced microbial exposure leads to allergies and autoimmune diseases.
What is helminth therapy?
Helminth therapy suggests that worm infections may help regulate overactive immune responses.
What challenges do rapid environmental changes pose?
Rapid environmental changes (heat stress, resource shifts) challenge human adaptability.
What is wet bulb temperature?
Wet bulb temperature (max survivable heat) sets a biological limit for heat tolerance.
Define single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).
SNP is genetic variations at a single DNA base position.
What is population structure?
Population structure refers to genetic differentiation among populations due to reproductive barriers.
What are autosomal chromosomes?
Autosomal are non-sex chromosomes carrying inherited traits.
What is heterozygosity?
Heterozygosity is the presence of different alleles at a gene locus in an individual.
What is neutral genetic variation?
Neutral genetic variation refers to genetic differences that do not affect survival or reproduction.
What is functional genetic variation?
Functional genetic variation refers to genetic differences that influence traits under selection.
What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions increasing disease risk (e.g., obesity, insulin resistance).
