7. EVOLUTION Flashcards
(39 cards)
What is evolution?
The process by which species change over generations through genetic variation and natural selection.
Who proposed the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin.
What is natural selection?
The process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
What is a selection pressure?
An environmental factor that influences which traits are passed to the next generation.
What are the four principles of natural selection?
1) Natural design for gene replication, 2) Superabundance, 3) Natural variation, 4) Selection pressures.
What is superabundance in evolution?
The production of more offspring than necessary to ensure survival of some.
What is natural variation?
Differences among individuals in a population.
What is an adaptation?
A trait that improves an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.
What is an evolutionary trade-off?
A situation where gaining an advantage comes with a cost (e.g., larger brains require more energy).
What is sexual selection?
A form of natural selection where traits are favoured because they increase mating success.
What is intersexual selection?
When one sex chooses mates based on desirable traits (e.g., peacock’s feathers).
What is intrasexual selection?
Competition within the same sex for mates (e.g., deer fighting with antlers).
What is group selection?
The idea that cooperative groups have a survival advantage over selfish groups.
What is the environment of evolutionary adaptiveness (EEA)?
The environment in which a species evolved, shaping its adaptations.
What is convergent evolution?
When unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
What is divergent evolution?
When related species develop different traits due to different environments.
What is neoteny?
The retention of juvenile features into adulthood, allowing for prolonged brain development.
What is the significance of neoteny in humans?
It allows more time for brain development and learning from adults.
What is the mesocorticolimbic dopamine pathway?
The brain’s reward system linked to motivation and addiction.
What is brain plasticity?
The brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt by forming new neural connections.
What is the encephalisation quotient (EQ)?
A measure of brain size relative to body size.
What is the main trade-off of having a large brain?
High energy consumption and a more difficult birth process.
What is bipedalism?
Walking on two legs, a key adaptation in human evolution.
What is mate bonding?
The formation of lasting relationships between mating pairs.
