Evolution Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is evolution
Evolution is the process by which populations of organisms acquire and pass on unique traits from generation to generation, leading to changes in the population and possibly new species.
How can evolution be simply defined?
Change in a population over time.
What are the five mechanisms of evolution?
Small population size, non-random mating, mutation, gene flow, natural selection
What is microevolution
Small-scale changes in a poplutaion’s gene pool over generations
Why is small population size important in evolution
It is easier to observe changes in allele frequencies in small populations
What is an example of small population evolution
Galapagos island
Which finger is used to remember small population size
Pink finger (reminds of something small)
What is non random mating
When individuals choose mates based on appearance or location, leading to changes in allele frequency
What can happen if only red-headed people mate with each other?
More red-headed individuals may be born, changing the population’s traits over time.
Which finger reminds us of non-random mating?
Ring finger (symbolizing mating/marriage).
What is mutation
A permanent change in a nucleotide sequence (DNA).
Are all mutations bad
No some can be beneficial or neutral
How can mutations be helpful
A DNA change (like a “typo”) may give an organism an advantage over others.
What is gene flow?
The movement of alleles from one population to another, which alters allele frequencies.
What causes gene flow
Immigration, emigration, or mating with outsiders whose offspring remain in the population.
What effect does gene flow have on populations?
It makes neighboring populations more similar because they share alleles and ancestry.
Which finger reminds us of gene flow?
Pointer finger (movement)
Why is gene flow important in humans?
It explains how humans can be genetically similar across the world.
What is natural selection
A hereditary trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment
What is an adaptation
Adaptation is the process that occurs as an organism change over time to become more fit for their environment. As organisms adapt to their environment their evolutionary fitness increases.
What are the three types of adaptations
Physical
Physiological
Behavioural
What is a physical adaptation
A structure or feature that gives an organism an advantage. Ex: white rabbit camouflaged on snow
What is a physiological adaptation
An internal system or process that gives an organism an advantage.
Ex: Guinea pig’s insulin processing sugary treats.
What is a behavioural adaptation
An action or behaviour that helps an organism survive.Example: Hibernation, migration, nocturnal behavior.
