Bio 1 - Mechanisms Of Evolution

The graph shows that extreme phenotypes have a higher fitness compared to intermediate phenotypes. This indicates that individuals with extreme traits are favored by natural selection, leading to the separation of the population into two distinct groups. This is characteristic of disruptive selection, where selection acts against the average phenotype and favors extreme phenotypes.

Adaptation is the correct answer because it refers to a feature or trait that enables an organism to better survive and reproduce in its environment. This trait is usually a result of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous adaptations are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to future generations. Adaptations can include physical characteristics, behaviors, or physiological processes that enhance an organism's ability to thrive in its specific habitat.

The correct answer is "a trace of an organism that existed in the past." Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms that provide evidence of past life on Earth. They can include things like bones, shells, footprints, and imprints of plants or animals. This answer option accurately describes what a fossil is, as it refers to a trace left behind by an organism that lived in the past.

Two organisms that are closely related would have very similar DNA sequences. This is because closely related organisms share a common ancestor and therefore have a high degree of genetic similarity. Over time, as organisms evolve and diverge from their common ancestor, their DNA sequences accumulate small changes. However, these changes are usually gradual and result in only slight differences between closely related organisms. Therefore, their DNA sequences would be very similar, but not exactly the same.

The graph shows a shift in the population towards one extreme trait value over time. This indicates that individuals with that extreme trait value have a higher fitness and are more likely to survive and reproduce. This is characteristic of directional selection, where the average phenotype of a population shifts in a specific direction.

Stabilizing selection is depicted in the graph because it shows that individuals with average or intermediate traits have a higher fitness compared to individuals with extreme traits. This means that the population is being selected for traits that are close to the mean, resulting in a reduction of genetic variation over time.

The presence of vestigial pelvic bones and lungs in modern whales suggests that their ancestors lived on land. These structures were likely functional in their terrestrial ancestors but have become reduced or lost over time as whales adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. The presence of lungs instead of gills further supports the idea that whales evolved from land-dwelling mammals. This evidence aligns with the theory of evolution, which suggests that species change over time in response to their environment.

The correct answer is population. A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area. In this case, all the rabbits living in a particular area would form a population.

A species is a term used to describe a group of similar organisms that have the ability to reproduce and produce fertile offspring. This means that members of the same species can mate with each other and their offspring will also be able to reproduce. The concept of a species is important in biology as it helps to classify and understand the diversity of life on Earth.

Genetic variation can occur due to a random change in the DNA of a gene, which is known as a mutation. Mutations can lead to the introduction of new genetic material or alteration of existing genetic material, resulting in variations in traits and characteristics within a population. Hybridization refers to the breeding of individuals from different species or varieties, while population refers to a group of individuals of the same species in a given area. Recombination involves the shuffling and exchange of genetic material during the formation of gametes.

The correct answer is genetic variation is lost. The bottleneck effect occurs when a population undergoes a drastic reduction in size, leading to a decrease in genetic diversity. This loss of genetic variation can have negative consequences for the population's ability to adapt to changing environments or combat diseases. With limited genetic variation, the population becomes more vulnerable to harmful alleles and less able to respond to natural selection pressures.

Relative dating is a method used by scientists to determine the age of fossils by comparing their position in rock layers or strata. It is based on the principle of superposition, which states that in undisturbed layers of rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top. By studying the relative positions of fossils in different layers, scientists can establish a relative timeline of when they lived. This method does not provide an exact age, but it allows scientists to compare the ages of different fossils and determine their relative order in time.

Charles Darwin observed different species on different islands in the finch populations on the Galapagos Islands. This observation led to his theory of evolution by natural selection, as he noticed that the finches had adapted differently to their specific environments on each island. This variation in species among the finches provided evidence for the idea that species can change over time in response to their environment.

The presence of fossils of marine organisms high in the Andes Mountains suggests that there was a significant change in the environment over time. This supports Darwin's theory of evolution, which states that species can change and adapt to their environment over long periods of time. It also contradicts the belief that Earth is only 6000 years old, as the presence of these fossils indicates a much longer history of change and development.

The correct answer is variation. Variation refers to the differences in physical traits among individuals within a group. It can include variations in characteristics such as height, weight, eye color, and hair color. Change refers to a difference over time, adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to a new environment, and species refers to a group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed. Therefore, variation is the most appropriate term to describe the difference in physical traits among individuals in a group.

Over time, adaptations can lead populations to experience genetic changes. This is because adaptations are traits or characteristics that help organisms survive and reproduce in their environment. When individuals with certain adaptations have a higher chance of survival and passing on their genes to the next generation, these genetic traits become more common in the population. This gradual accumulation of genetic changes over generations is known as evolution.

Intersexual selection refers to the selection based on the preferences of one sex for certain traits in the opposite sex. This can include traits such as coloration, size, or behavior, which are attractive to potential mates. Intrasexual selection, on the other hand, involves competition between members of the same sex for access to mates. This can include behaviors such as fighting or displaying dominance to establish mating opportunities. Therefore, intersexual and intrasexual selection are the two processes of sexual selection.

Gravitation is not a theory of geologic change because it is a fundamental force of nature that explains the attraction between objects with mass, such as planets and moons. It does not specifically address the processes or mechanisms that cause changes in the Earth's geology over time. On the other hand, Uniformitarianism, Gradualism, and Catastrophism are all theories that attempt to explain different aspects of geologic change, such as the slow and steady accumulation of changes over time, the idea of gradual and incremental changes, and the occurrence of sudden and catastrophic events respectively.

Catastrophism is the theory that states that floods and earthquakes have occurred often in Earth's history. This theory suggests that these natural disasters are caused by sudden and violent events, such as volcanic eruptions or asteroid impacts, rather than gradual processes. It proposes that these catastrophic events have shaped the Earth's landscape and have had a significant impact on the planet's history.

Evolution refers to the process of biological change over time, in which descendants gradually come to differ from their ancestors. This can occur through various mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation. It is a fundamental concept in biology and explains the diversity of life on Earth. Artificial selection, on the other hand, is a human-directed process of selectively breeding organisms for desired traits. Uniformitarianism is a principle in geology that states that the same natural laws and processes that operate in the present have also operated in the past. Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can contribute to genetic variation and potentially drive evolution.

Random mating is not a mechanism for evolution because it does not lead to any changes in the genetic makeup of a population. In random mating, individuals choose their mates without any preference for certain traits or characteristics. This means that there is no selection pressure acting on specific traits, and therefore no changes in the frequency of alleles in the population over time. In contrast, natural selection, sexual selection, and genetic drift all involve changes in allele frequencies and can drive evolutionary change.

In natural selection, the selective agent refers to the factor or condition in the environment that determines which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction. It is the environment that exerts the selective pressure, favoring individuals with certain traits over others. This process leads to the adaptation and evolution of species over time. Humans, mutations, and breeders may play a role in artificial selection, but in natural selection, it is the environment that acts as the selective agent.

The correct answer is the founder effect and bottleneck effect. The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation. The bottleneck effect occurs when a population undergoes a drastic reduction in size, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity. Both processes can have significant impacts on the genetic composition of a population over time.

Evolution is considered to be one of the most important theories in science because it unites the fields of biology, geology, chemistry, and ecology. This means that it provides a framework that connects and explains phenomena in these different scientific disciplines. By studying evolution, scientists can understand how organisms have changed over time, how different species are related, and how ecosystems have evolved. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the natural world and has led to numerous advancements in various scientific fields.

Erasmus Darwin is the correct answer because he was Charles Darwin's poetic grandfather. Erasmus Darwin was a renowned physician, naturalist, and poet who had a significant influence on Charles Darwin's scientific thinking and writing style. Charles Darwin greatly admired his grandfather's work and was inspired by his ideas on evolution, which laid the foundation for Charles Darwin's own groundbreaking theory of natural selection.

If an organism has a vestigial structure, it means that the structure is present in the organism but no longer serves its original purpose. This suggests that the structure was functional in an earlier ancestor of the organism. As organisms evolve and adapt to their environment, certain structures may become unnecessary or redundant, leading to their degeneration over time. Therefore, the most likely explanation for a vestigial structure is that it had a function in an earlier ancestor of the organism.

The development of a new color in a rose by scientists is the result of artificial selection. This means that the scientists deliberately chose and bred roses with specific traits, including color, to create a new variety. Artificial selection involves human intervention and selective breeding to produce desired characteristics, in contrast to natural selection which occurs in nature without human involvement. Overproduction refers to the production of more offspring than can survive, and descent with modification is a key concept in the theory of evolution.

When bull elephants charge each other and butt heads, they are exhibiting intrasexual selection behavior. This behavior refers to competition between members of the same sex (in this case, male elephants) for access to mates or resources. By engaging in aggressive behaviors like charging and headbutting, bull elephants are asserting dominance and establishing their reproductive fitness, ultimately increasing their chances of mating with females. This behavior is a form of sexual selection, where individuals compete directly with members of the same sex to gain reproductive advantages.

A population that is not undergoing natural selection displays a normal distribution. This means that the traits within the population are evenly distributed around the average value, with most individuals falling close to the average and fewer individuals having extreme values. In a normal distribution, the frequency of individuals decreases as the traits move away from the average in both directions. This indicates a lack of selective pressure and suggests that the population is in a state of genetic equilibrium.

Based on the fossils that Charles Darwin found, which resembled ancient versions of living species, he concluded that the Earth must be much more than 6000 years old. This suggests that Darwin's findings contradicted the prevailing belief at the time that the Earth was only a few thousand years old.

Gene flow refers to the movement of alleles from one population to another. This can occur through the migration of individuals, who carry their genetic material with them and introduce it to a new population. Gene flow can lead to the exchange of genetic variation between populations, which can have important effects on their genetic diversity and overall evolution.

Gene flow is the process that increases genetic variation when animals move from one population to another population. This occurs when individuals migrate and introduce their genes into a new population, mixing with the existing gene pool. Through gene flow, new genetic variations are introduced, increasing the overall genetic diversity of the population. This can have significant effects on the adaptation and evolution of species, as it allows for the transfer of beneficial traits and helps maintain genetic connectivity between populations.

Natural selection is the process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. This leads to the passing on of advantageous traits to future generations, resulting in a gradual change in the population over time. Sexual selection, genetic drift, and gene flow are different mechanisms that can also influence the evolution of populations, but they are not specifically related to the survival and reproduction of individuals in their environment.

Homologous structures are features that have different functions but similar structures in organisms that share a common ancestor. This similarity in structure suggests that these organisms inherited these features from a common ancestor, even though they may have adapted to perform different functions over time. This concept is important in studying evolutionary relationships between different species.

Carolus Linnaeus developed a classification system for organisms. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy and his system, known as binomial nomenclature, is still used today. Linnaeus classified organisms based on their physical characteristics and grouped them into hierarchical categories such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. His system provided a standardized way to name and organize different species, making it easier for scientists to study and understand the diversity of life on Earth.

When a male bird of paradise displays its tail feathers, it is exhibiting intersexual selection behavior. This behavior involves the male bird showcasing its elaborate and attractive tail feathers to attract a female mate. The display is a form of courtship behavior aimed at impressing the female and increasing the male's chances of successful reproduction. The female bird then selects a mate based on the quality of the display, which is an example of intersexual selection where one sex (in this case, the female) chooses a mate based on specific traits or behaviors displayed by the other sex (in this case, the male).

Variations refer to the differences that exist among individuals of the same species. These differences can be in terms of physical traits, behaviors, or genetic makeup. Variations can arise due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. They play a crucial role in the process of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous variations are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to future generations. Therefore, variations contribute to the overall diversity and adaptability of a species. Adaptations, mutations, and genetic isolation are related concepts but do not encompass the broad range of differences that variations encompass.

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Genetic variation refers to the diversity of genes within a population. When a population has more genetic variation, it means that there is a wider range of genetic traits present. This increased diversity provides individuals with a greater chance of possessing advantageous traits that can help them adapt to changing environments or overcome challenges. Therefore, individuals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation, leading to the overall survival and success of the population.

The wing of an ostrich would be classified as a vestigial structure because it is a reduced and non-functional version of a structure that was functional in its ancestors. Ostriches are flightless birds, and their wings have evolved to be smaller and less developed compared to the wings of flying birds. These vestigial wings serve no purpose in flight but may still have some minor functions, such as balance or courtship displays.

A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same geographic area. This term is commonly used in biology and ecology to describe the number and distribution of organisms within a specific location. It helps scientists understand the dynamics and interactions of species within an ecosystem and is a key concept in studying the biodiversity and conservation of different species.

Embryos of very different organisms having very similar developmental stages is a fact that supports evolution because it suggests a common ancestry among these organisms. This similarity in embryonic development implies that these organisms share a common genetic blueprint and have evolved from a common ancestor. This provides evidence for the theory of evolution, as it suggests that different species have evolved from a common ancestor through gradual changes over time.

Stabilizing selection occurs when individuals with the intermediate phenotype are selected for. This means that extreme phenotypes are less likely to survive and reproduce, while individuals with average or intermediate phenotypes have a higher fitness. As a result, the population becomes more homogeneous and the extreme phenotypes are reduced over time. This type of selection helps maintain the stability and balance of a population's traits, preventing extreme variations from becoming dominant.

In stabilizing selection, the intermediate phenotype becomes more common in a population. This means that individuals with traits closer to the average or middle of the phenotypic range have a higher survival or reproductive advantage compared to individuals with extreme phenotypes. Over time, this leads to a decrease in the frequency of extreme phenotypes and an increase in the frequency of individuals with traits closer to the average, resulting in a more homogeneous population.

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When a few individuals start a new colony, it most likely results in genetic drift through the founder effect. This is because when a small group of individuals establish a new population, they may carry only a subset of the genetic variation present in the original population. As a result, the new population is likely to have reduced genetic diversity compared to the original population. This reduction in genetic diversity is a characteristic of genetic drift, and it occurs specifically through the founder effect when a small group of individuals become the founders of a new population.

Overproduction is not a mechanism of evolution because it refers to the idea that organisms produce more offspring than can possibly survive. While overproduction can lead to competition and natural selection, it is not a direct mechanism of evolution itself. Mutation, natural selection, and sexual selection, on the other hand, are all recognized mechanisms of evolution. Mutation introduces genetic variation, natural selection acts on this variation to favor certain traits, and sexual selection involves the selection of mates based on specific traits, leading to changes in the gene pool over time.

Directional selection is the correct answer because it refers to the process of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype over the other, causing a shift in the distribution of a trait towards that extreme. This means that individuals with traits closer to the favored extreme are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to a change in the population's characteristics over time. Stabilizing selection, disruptive selection, and normalizing selection do not accurately describe this phenomenon.

The correct answer is natural selection. In this scenario, the change in body color is advantageous for the animals because it helps them better hide from predators. This advantageous trait increases their chances of survival and reproduction, leading to a higher frequency of the trait in the population over time. This process is known as natural selection, where traits that provide a selective advantage are favored and become more common in a population.

Comparative anatomy involves studying the similarities and differences in the structure of different organisms. The fact that a bat's wing and a whale's flipper have very similar bone structure supports the idea of evolution. This similarity suggests that these two organisms share a common ancestor and have adapted their limbs for different purposes. This finding aligns with the concept of homologous structures, where different species have similar anatomical features due to shared ancestry. Therefore, the similarity in bone structure between a bat's wing and a whale's flipper provides evidence for evolution.