Download Biology 4974/5974

Biology 4974/5974
D. F. Tomback
Fall 2013
Name___Key_________________________ 25 points
Evolution
Quiz #1
Welcome to the first quiz. Please use pen to answer the questions directly on the quiz. You have
about 20-25 minutes to complete this. Make sure that you read all questions carefully before
answering them, and that answers are written in complete sentences except for fill-in blanks.
Please keep your paper covered and your eyes on your own paper. Please learn terminology and
be able to spell words correctly in all future exams and quizzes.
1. (3 pts) What is the basic meaning of the root word evolutio? (not evolution)
Evolutio is the Latin term for “unfolding,” and used to describe the unrolling of an
organism from a preformed plan. >See lecture notes “Evolution as a concept” and text p.
4.
2. (4 pts) Here are two historical figures with somewhat different views of species before the19th
century. Please explain these views briefly. 2 pts each
a. Aristotle: (4rd century BC ) Believed in species as fixed and unchanging because they
represented ideal forms. Each species was a product of creation and had a purpose.
This was the “idealist” species concept. > P. 20, top, in text, “Evolution as a concept”
and “Species concepts” lecture.
b. Van Helmont: Believed that spontaneous generation from mud or organic matter could
produce small organisms. People of that period (17th century) also believed that species
did not change. > P. 7, top, in text. “Evolution as a concept” and “Species concepts.”
3. (2 pts) Which species definition is the following? “Based on the inability of individuals in
populations to interbreed with individuals in other populations to produce viable offspring.”
a. morphological species
b. biological species
c. evolutionary species
d. phylogenetic species
>“Species concepts” lecture, and Chapter 2.
4. (4 pts) >from Chapter 3 and “Species concepts” lecture.
a) What are the similarities in the evolutionary processes of Parallelism and Convergence?
In both situations, two descendant species have similar phenotypes to one another. (1
pt)
b) What is the main difference between these two processes (hint: genetic basis)?
In the case of parallelism, two species are descended from an ancestor that lacked the
phenotype, but they evolve the same phenotype by means of a similar genetic or
developmental program.
In the case of convergence, the same phenotype arises in two different, distantly related
lineages (no recent common ancestor) based on different genetic programs (different
developmental pathways).
>P. 46-47 in text, Lecture notes “Species concepts”
2
5. (2 pts) Which discovery started shaking up the historical view that species did not change
over time? >Chapter 3, End box 3.1, Notes “Natural selection and the modern synthesis”
a. the law of gravity
b. geological processes took thousands of years (Lyell)
c. spontaneous generation did not occur
d. very different species once lived, as evidenced by fossils
e. microorganisms existed
6. (3 pts) When Mendel’s laws were rediscovered in 1900, this did not work to unite biologists
immediately regarding natural selection as an evolutionary mechanism. Instead, what did they
focus on at that time?
The early geneticists focused on mutation as a major mechanism of evolution. They saw
major mutations resulting in major changes in form (saltations). >Lecture “Natural
selection and the modern synthesis”
7. (4 pts) a) What do orchids have in common with the Panda’s thumb? 2 pts each
Both orchids and the pandas’ thumb demonstrate how previously existing parts can be
modified to produce a new adaptation.
b) What does this tell us about evolutionary processes? In other words, how are new
adaptations developed?
Small modifications in existing phenotypes may result in a new function or adaption.
The accumulation of small changes can shape more complex parts. Changes occur by
chance, but if they improve function, they are favored by selection.
8. (3 pts) Given the “genomics” era and all of our scientific advances, what is your opinion as to
why more Americans do not agree with the statement: “Human beings, as we know them,
developed from earlier species of animals?”
Full credit for a thoughtful and reasonable statement.
Postscript: While you studied, did you come across anything in particular that
challenged or confused you? If so, note it here and I’ll try to clarify.
Make sure you check the key when available for the answers and compare them to your own to
correct any misunderstanding. Also, make a point of seeing me to discuss any questions that
were a problem for you.