Evolution Of populations Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the definition of evolution in the context of populations?
Evolution is the change in the genetic composition of a population over successive generations.
True or False: Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution.
True
Fill in the blank: The process by which certain traits increase in frequency within a population due to their advantages in survival and reproduction is called __________.
natural selection
What is genetic drift?
Genetic drift is the random fluctuation in allele frequencies in a population due to chance events.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution? A) Natural Selection B) Genetic Drift C) Gene Flow D) Photosynthesis
D) Photosynthesis
What is gene flow?
Gene flow is the movement of alleles between populations through migration.
True or False: Mutation is a source of genetic variation.
True
What is the Hardy-Weinberg principle?
The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant in the absence of evolutionary influences.
Fill in the blank: The five conditions required for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are large population size, no migration, no mutation, random mating, and __________.
no natural selection
What is a population bottleneck?
A population bottleneck is a sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities.
Multiple Choice: Which factor can lead to speciation? A) Geographic isolation B) Genetic drift C) Natural selection D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the role of sexual selection in evolution?
Sexual selection is a form of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to attract mates and reproduce.
True or False: All mutations are harmful to an organism.
False
What is the significance of the founder effect?
The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to reduced genetic variation.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for the preservation of favorable traits through generations.
Natural selection
What is adaptive radiation?
Adaptive radiation is the rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of disruptive selection? A) Peppered moth color change B) Finch beak sizes C) Human height D) All of the above
A) Peppered moth color change
What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?
Microevolution refers to small-scale changes within a population, while macroevolution refers to large-scale evolutionary changes that lead to the emergence of new species.
True or False: Fitness in evolutionary terms refers to an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.
True
What is the role of environmental pressures in evolution?
Environmental pressures can influence which traits are favorable, guiding the process of natural selection.
Fill in the blank: The __________ effect describes how a population’s genetic diversity is reduced when a small number of individuals colonize a new area.
founder
What is phenotypic plasticity?
Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental conditions.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following can lead to genetic variation in a population? A) Mutation B) Sexual reproduction C) Gene flow D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the impact of climate change on the evolution of populations?
Climate change can alter habitats and environmental pressures, potentially leading to shifts in population dynamics and evolution.
