Evolutionary Processes and Concepts

Miss Willis explains evolution, focusing on allele frequency changes in populations. She covers the five processes that drive evolution: genetic drift, non-random mating, mutations, gene flow, and natural selection. The video distinguishes between microevolution and macroevolution, highlighting speciation. Darwin's natural selection theory is discussed, emphasizing adaptations and evolutionary fitness. The role of genetic variation and randomness in evolution is also explored.

What is the fundamental definition of evolution?

• The survival of the fittest organisms.

• The adaptation of organisms to their environment.

• The process of organisms becoming more complex over time.

• The change in the allele frequency of a gene pool in a population over time.

Which of the following is NOT one of the five processes that can cause evolution?

• Random mating

• Gene flow

• Mutations

• Natural selection

What is the main difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

• Microevolution is not observable, while macroevolution is.

• Microevolution is a slower process than macroevolution.

• Microevolution occurs within a species, while macroevolution leads to the formation of new species.

• Microevolution involves large changes, while macroevolution involves small changes.

What is speciation?

• The adaptation of a species to a new environment.

• The process of creating a new species.

• The increase in population size of a species.

• The process of a species becoming extinct.

Which of the following is NOT a condition necessary for natural selection according to Darwin?

• Overproduction of organisms

• Fitness differences among individuals

• Inheritable traits

• Lack of variation within a population

What does Darwin mean by 'fitness' in the context of natural selection?

• The physical strength of an organism

• The speed at which an organism can adapt

• The ability to survive in harsh conditions

• The ability to reproduce and pass on traits

Why is a hybrid like a 'source' not considered evolutionarily fit?

• It does not have any adaptations.

• It is not a true species.

• It cannot have viable offspring.

• It cannot survive in the wild.

What is an adaptation in the context of natural selection?

• A random mutation that occurs in an organism

• A process that leads to the extinction of a species

• A change in the environment that affects a species

• A genetic variation that provides an advantage in a specific environment

Which of the following is an example of genetic drift?

• The selection of advantageous traits by the environment

• The movement of genes between populations

• A small group of individuals founding a new population

• A mutation that provides a survival advantage

How can gene flow affect genetic variation in a population?

• It has no effect on genetic variation.

• It always decreases genetic variation.

• It always increases genetic variation.

• It can either increase or decrease genetic variation.