Chapter 24 - Speciation

Question 1

What is speciation?

Answer 1

The process by which new species arise from existing species.

Question 2

True or False: Speciation can occur through both gradual and rapid processes.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The two main types of speciation are _______ and _______.

Answer 3

allopatric; sympatric

Question 4

What is allopatric speciation?

Answer 4

Speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated.

Question 5

What is sympatric speciation?

Answer 5

Speciation that occurs without geographical isolation, often through mechanisms like polyploidy.

Question 6

What role does natural selection play in speciation?

Answer 6

Natural selection can drive the divergence of populations and lead to the formation of new species.

Question 7

Define the term ‘reproductive isolation’.

Answer 7

A set of mechanisms that prevent species from interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Question 8

What are the two main categories of reproductive isolation?

Answer 8

Prezygotic and postzygotic isolation.

Question 9

Give an example of prezygotic isolation.

Answer 9

Temporal isolation, where species breed at different times.

Question 10

Give an example of postzygotic isolation.

Answer 10

Hybrid inviability, where hybrid offspring do not survive to maturity.

Question 11

What is the biological species concept?

Answer 11

A definition of species based on the ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Question 12

True or False: The biological species concept can be applied to all organisms.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

What is adaptive radiation?

Answer 13

The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.

Question 14

What role does genetic drift play in speciation?

Answer 14

Genetic drift can lead to changes in allele frequencies that contribute to speciation, especially in small populations.

Question 15

What is a hybrid zone?

Answer 15

An area where two closely related species meet and interbreed.

Question 16

What can happen in a hybrid zone over time?

Answer 16

Reinforcement of reproductive barriers, fusion of species, or stability of the hybrid zone.

Question 17

What is polyploidy?

Answer 17

A condition in which an organism has more than two complete sets of chromosomes.

Question 18

How can polyploidy lead to speciation?

Answer 18

It can create reproductive isolation from the parent population, leading to the formation of a new species.

Question 19

What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

Answer 19

Microevolution refers to small-scale changes within a species, while macroevolution refers to large-scale changes that result in the emergence of new species.

Question 20

True or False: Speciation is always a slow process.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

What is a key factor in sympatric speciation?

Answer 21

Resource competition or niche differentiation.

Question 22

Define ‘speciation rate’.

Answer 22

The speed at which new species are formed in a particular group or environment.

Question 23

What is the impact of environmental changes on speciation?

Answer 23

Environmental changes can create new ecological niches, leading to speciation.

Question 24

What is a common misconception about speciation?

Answer 24

That it is a linear process; in reality, it can be complex and involve various mechanisms.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The process of speciation often involves _______ and _______.

Answer 25

mutation; selection

Question 26

What is the significance of the founder effect in speciation?

Answer 26

It can lead to genetic divergence when a small group establishes a new population.

Question 27

What is an example of a species that underwent adaptive radiation?

Answer 27

Darwin's finches.

Question 28

True or False: Allopatric speciation is more common than sympatric speciation.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

What is the role of sexual selection in speciation?

Answer 29

It can lead to the development of traits that enhance reproductive success and promote divergence.

Question 30

What is a 'phylogenetic tree'?

Answer 30

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species.

Question 31

How does the concept of 'morphological species' differ from the biological species concept?

Answer 31

Morphological species are defined based on physical characteristics, regardless of reproductive isolation.

Question 32

Fill in the blank: The process by which reproductive barriers evolve is called _______.

Answer 32

reinforcement

Question 33

What does the term 'speciation event' refer to?

Answer 33

A point in time when a new species is formed.

Question 34

What is the significance of the concept of 'gene flow' in speciation?

Answer 34

Gene flow can prevent speciation by allowing genetic exchange between populations.

Question 35

True or False: Speciation can occur in both plants and animals.

Answer 35

True

Question 36

What is 'ecological speciation'?

Answer 36

Speciation that occurs due to the adaptation to different ecological niches.

Question 37

What is a key factor that can lead to the extinction of a species during speciation?

Answer 37

Inability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Question 38

What is the role of isolation in the process of speciation?

Answer 38

Isolation prevents gene flow and allows populations to evolve independently.