Unit 1 - learning objectives

Question 1

Recall and explain the mechanisms of evolution

Question 2

Explain the evolution via natural selection in the context of phenotypic variation and population growth

Question 3

Illustrate and describe pathways and transformations of energy and matter

Question 4

Describe ways in which organisms interact, are interconnected, and exchange information

Question 5

Recall the distinguishing characteristics of groups of organisms

Question 6

Explain how the interaction between organisms and the environment affects structure and relate biological structure to funcition

Question 7

Evaluate and interpret data, graphs, and phylogenies

Question 8

Apply biological knowledge to solve problems

Question 9

Evaluate and interpret data, graphs, and phylogenies

Question 10

Apply biological knowledge to solve problems

Question 11

Evaluate the relevance of social context to threats to a conservation of biodiversity

Question 12

Write clearly and concisely about evolution, ecology, and biodiversity

Question 13

List the scientific method in order

Answer 13

1. Ask a question
2. Do background research
3. Construct a hypothesis
4. Test with an experiment
   Is the procedure working?
   If yes, continue on
   If no, rework on that experiment
5. Analyze data to draw conclusions
   The results will either align with the hypothesis or will not
6. Communicate the results

Question 14

Write scientific observations

Answer 14

A good observation is specific and detailed
Use your senses and then draw a likely conclusion

Question 15

Illustrate the expected results of studies based on predictions

Question 15

Interpret graphs showing results of studies that test predictions about why zebras have stripes

Question 15

State hypothesis for why zebras have stripes

Answer 15

Protection against biting
Confusion hypothesis against predators
Stripes for camouflaging

Question 16

Explain why zebras have stripes

Answer 16

Think about the anti-biting hypothesis

Question 16

Define evolution and other terms associated with mechanisms of evolution

Answer 16

EVOLUTION - the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth

Question 17

Name and describe the mechanisms of evolution

Answer 17

Mutation - a change in the DNA sequence of an organism
Genetic drift - variation in the relative frequency of genotypes in a small population
Natural selection - organisms more adapted to their environments are more likely to survive and pass on their genes
Gene flow - a movement of individuals (and their genetic material) from one population to another

Question 18

Illustrate the probability of survival for different traits and the trait distribution after selection for directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection

Question 19

Recall the effects of directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection of the mean value of a trait and variation in a trait

Question 20

Identify examples of directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection

Question 21

Describe the causes, specific cases, and consequences of genetic drift

Question 22

Describe how gene flow occurs and how it affects genetic variation within and among populations

Question 23

Describe the effect of each mechanism of evolution on genetic variation and average fitness

Question 24

Interpret diagrams that illustrate mechanisms of evolution

Question 25

Define terms related to evolution by natural selection (vestigial traits, fitness, and adaptation)

Answer 25

Vestigial traits - traits of no apparent function from past ancestors
Fitness - the organism’s ability to survive and reproduce
Adaptations - a change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment

Question 26

Explain evidence of change through time and evidence of descent from a common ancestor

Question 27

Identify levels of homology

Question 28

State and explain the criteria for evolution by natural selection

Question 29

Describe characteristics of the ecomorphs of anoles (Anolis lizards) in the Caribbean and how they are adaptations

Question 30

Apply the criteria for evolution by natural selection to the anoles

Question 31

Define species and speciation

Answer 31

Species - a group of organisms that can reproduce with another in nature and produce fertile offspring
Speciation - the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution

Question 32

Recall and describe species concepts and types of prezygotic and postzygotic reproductive barriers

Question 33

Chose the species concept that could be used to classify pairs of organisms as different species

Question 34

Predict the reproductive barrier for pairs of species classified as species using the biological species concept

Question 35

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each species concept

Question 36

Describe why distinguishing species is important

Question 37

Explain the ways speciation can occur