Classification
What is binomial nomenclature?
A two-name system used to classify organisms
What is the morphological species concept?
Grouping organisms based on appearance
Describe directional selection
favors individuals at one end of the distribution of phenotypes in the population
What are the four mechanisms for evolution?
1. Natural selection
2. Mutation
3. Gene flow
4. Genetic drift
What are the two main types of speciation?
Allopatric and sympatric
What is a species?
The type of organism defined by a relevant species concept
What is the biological species concept?
A species is all individuals that can interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring
Favors individuals in the middle of the distribution of phenotypes present in the population
How does mutation impact evolution?
It increases genetic variation and increases divergence
What are the three reproductive isolating barriers?
1. Pre-mating barriers
2. Postmating/prezygotic barriers
3. Postzygotic barriers
What is a population?
A group of individuals of the same species
Which species concept is most commonly used?
Biological species concept
Describe disruptive selection
favors individuals at both tails of the distribution of phenotypes present in the population
How does natural selection impact evolution?
It generally reduces genetic variation and increases divergence
Define speciation
The evolutionary process by which populations diverge into distinct species
How do populations and evolution interact?
A population is a unit of evolutionary change
What are some cons of the biological species concept?
It does not apply to non-sexually reproducing species
What are the three principles of natural selection?
1. Traits must have variation
2. Traits must be heritable
3. Some traits must confer greater fitness than others.
How does genetic drift impact evolution?
It generally reduces genetic variation and increases divergence
What is allopatric speciation?
Speciation due to geographic isolation and genetic divergence
Who proposed the biological species concept?
Ernst Mayr
What are some limitations to the morphological species concept?
Does not account for metamorphosis, cryptic species, or sexual dimorphism
What is adaptive evolution?
The process by which the environment favors genotypes that favor phenotypes that perform best and create the most offspring
How does gene flow impact evolution?
It increases genetic variation and decreases divergence
What is sympatric speciation?
Speciation due to reproductive isolation arising in geographically overlapping populations