Unit 1 - Scientific Method, Evolution, Speciation, and Life on Earth

Question 1

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Answer 1

Observe → Question → Hypothesis → Predict → Design study → Collect data → Analyze → Interpret → Conclude → Communicate

Question 2

Q: Why do zebras have stripes (hypotheses)?

Answer 2

Crypsis, confusion, warning (aposematism), avoid biting flies, cooling, communication

Question 3

Which hypothesis is best supported?

Answer 3

Avoidance of biting flies

Question 4

What is evolution?

Answer 4

Change in allele frequencies over time in a population

Question 5

Name the mechanisms of evolution

Answer 5

Mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow

Question 6

What is directional selection?

Answer 6

Favors one extreme trait

Question 7

What is stabilizing selection?

Answer 7

Favors intermediate traits

Question 8

What is disruptive selection?

Answer 8

Favors both extremes

Question 9

What causes genetic drift?

Answer 9

Random events, stronger in small populations

Question 10

What is gene flow?

Answer 10

Allele movement between populations

Question 11

Define fitness

Answer 11

Ability to produce surviving, fertile offspring

Question 12

Define adaptation

Answer 12

Heritable trait increasing fitness

Question 13

What are the four criteria for natural selection?

Answer 13

Variation, heritability, differential survival/reproduction, non-random survival

Question 14

What are anole ecomorphs?

Answer 14

Lizard groups with body forms adapted to specific habitats

Question 15

Define species

Answer 15

Evolutionarily independent populations

Question 16

Define speciation

Answer 16

Formation of new species from one ancestor

Question 17

Name the species concepts

Answer 17

Biological, morphospecies, phylogenetic

Question 18

What are prezygotic barriers?

Answer 18

Before fertilization (habitat, time, behavior, mechanical, gametic)

Question 19

What are postzygotic barriers?

Answer 19

After fertilization (hybrid inviability, sterility)

Question 20

What is allopatric speciation?

Answer 20

Geographic separation leads to divergence

Question 21

What is sympatric speciation?

Answer 21

Speciation without geographic isolation

Question 22

Why is the fossil record important?

Answer 22

Shows past forms, locations, and timing of life

Question 23

What are its limitations?

Answer 23

Habitat, taxonomic, temporal, and abundance biases

Question 24

Define adaptive radiation

Answer 24

Rapid speciation into many forms

Question 25

Define mass extinction

Answer 25

Rapid loss of many species globally

Question 26

What triggers adaptive radiation?

Answer 26

Ecological opportunity, new traits (morphological innovation)