Unit 2 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Why is the average human body temperature 98.6°F?
Reflects optimal metabolic activity and enzyme function. Recent decreases may relate to improved health, nutrition, and reduced chronic inflammation.
What are the main takeaways from the Fungus Amungus podcast?
The role of fungi in ecosystems and human health. Their evolutionary significance and impact on biodiversity.
What is evolution?
Change in the heritable traits of a population over generations.
What is natural selection?
Process by which traits that confer survival or reproductive advantages become more common.
What is behavioral/sexual selection?
Selection based on behaviors or traits that improve mating success (e.g., peacock feathers).
What is artificial selection?
Humans selectively breed organisms for desired traits.
What are the names of the relationships between organisms that have mathematical notations?
Commensalism (+/0), mutualism (+/+), parasitism (+/-).
What is a niche?
An organism’s role in an ecosystem. Drives adaptation and specialization.
What is a species?
A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
What is divergent evolution/speciation?
Process where populations of a species diverge into new species.
What is convergent evolution?
Unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environments.
What is coevolution?
Reciprocal evolutionary changes in interacting species (e.g., predator-prey dynamics).
What is genetic drift?
Random changes in allele frequencies, more significant in small populations.
What is the founder effect?
Loss of genetic variation when a small group establishes a new population.
What is a genetic bottleneck?
A sharp reduction in population size, reducing genetic diversity.
What are the different types of evidence that evolution is real?
Fossil record, molecular biology, embryology, and comparative anatomy.
What are the selective pressures on human skin color?
UV radiation exposure, vitamin D synthesis, and folate protection.
Who was Charles Darwin?
Naturalist known for the theory of evolution by natural selection.
What is the endosymbiotic theory?
Theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as symbiotic bacteria.
