Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Definition of evolution
The process of change in all forms of life over generations
It occurs due to heritable variations and natural selection
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Theories of evolution
Lamarckism
Darwinism
Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Lamarckism
Proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics
Example
: Giraffes developing long necks due to stretching to reach leaves
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Darwinism
Proposed by Charles Darwin
Theory of natural selection
Descent with modification
Example
: Finches of Galapagos Islands adapting to different environments
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution
Also known as Neo-Darwinian theory
Combines ideas of Darwinism and genetics
Emphasizes the role of mutations and genetic variation
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Evidences of evolution
Fossils
Comparative anatomy
Comparative embryology
Molecular biology
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Fossils
Preserved remains or traces of past organisms
Provide evidence of extinct species and intermediate forms
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Comparative anatomy
Study of similarities and differences in the structure of organisms
Homologous structures, vestigial organs, and analogous structures
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Comparative embryology
Study of similarities and differences in the embryonic development of organisms
Reveals common ancestry and evolutionary relationships "
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Molecular biology
Study of molecular structures and processes in living organisms
DNA sequencing and analysis provide evidence of evolutionary relationships
Example
: Comparing the DNA sequences of different species
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Hardy-Weinberg principle
States that the frequencies of alleles in a population will remain constant if certain conditions are met
Equilibrium equation
: p² + 2pq + q² = 1
Example
: Calculating allele frequencies in a population
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Genetic drift
Random changes in allele frequencies over generations
More pronounced in small populations
Example
: Founder effect and bottleneck effect
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Gene flow
Transfer of genes between populations through migration and interbreeding
Increases genetic variation within a population
Example
: Introduction of new genes through migration
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Mutation
Changes in DNA sequence that create new genetic variation
Can occur spontaneously or due to external factors
Example
: Point mutations and chromosomal mutations
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Natural selection
Process by which advantageous traits become more common in a population
Acts on variations that provide a selective advantage in a given environment
Example
: Peppered moth and industrial melanism
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Types of natural selection
Stabilizing selection
Directional selection
Disruptive selection
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Stabilizing selection
Favors average phenotypes and reduces variation
Example
: Birth weight in humans
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Directional selection
Favors individuals with extreme phenotypes, leading to a shift in the population’s characteristics
Example
: Antibiotic resistance in bacteria
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Disruptive selection
Favors individuals with extreme phenotypes at both ends of the distribution, leading to the formation of two distinct groups
Example
: Beak size in finches
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Mechanisms of Evolution
Mutation
:
Introduces new alleles into a population
Can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral
Mutation rate is influenced by various factors
Gene Flow
:
Transfer of genes between populations due to migration and interbreeding
Enhances genetic diversity within a population
Genetic Drift
:
Random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events
More significant in small populations
Founder effect and bottleneck effect
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Types of Speciation
Allopatric Speciation
:
Geographic isolation leads to the formation of new species
Example
: Islands or physical barriers separating populations
Sympatric Speciation
:
Speciation occurs within the same geographic area
Due to factors like polyploidy, habitat differentiation, or sexual selection
Parapatric Speciation
:
Occurs when populations are separated by an extreme change in habitat
Limited gene flow between populations
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Adaptive Radiation
Rapid diversification of a single ancestral lineage into various ecological niches
In response to new environments or evolutionary opportunities
Example
: Galapagos finches and their beak adaptations
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Convergent and Divergent Evolution
Convergent Evolution
:
Unrelated organisms evolve similar traits due to similar selective pressures
Example
: Wings of bats and birds for flying
Divergent Evolution
:
Related species evolve different traits due to different selective pressures
Leads to the formation of new species
Example
: Ancestral mammals diversifying into various groups
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Coevolution
Two or more species evolve in response to each other’s selective pressures
Mutualistic, parasitic, or predator-prey relationships
Example
: Plants and pollinators, predator and prey adaptations
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Hardy-Weinberg Law
Explains the genetic equilibrium in populations
If certain conditions are met, allele and genotype frequencies remain constant over generations
The equation
: p² + 2pq + q² = 1
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Genetic Disorders
Genetic disorders can be inherited or caused by mutations
Examples
: Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Down syndrome
Genetic counseling and testing can help in managing these disorders
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Evolutionary Biology Techniques
Comparative genomics
:
Analyzing genomes of different organisms to understand their evolutionary relationships
Phylogenetic trees
:
Diagrams that depict the evolutionary relationships between different species
Molecular clock
:
Estimating the time of divergence between different species based on genetic mutations
Paleontology
:
Studying fossils to understand the evolution of life on Earth
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Human Evolution
Hominid evolution
:
The evolutionary history of humans and their ancestors
Includes species like Australopithecines, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and Homo sapiens
Out-of-Africa theory
:
Suggests that modern humans originated in Africa and migrated to other parts of the world
Genetics And Evolution Evolution Biological Evolution
Applications of Evolutionary Biology
Agriculture
:
Breeding crops and livestock for desired traits
Medicine
:
Understanding the genetic basis of diseases and developing treatments
Conservation
:
Preserving biodiversity and managing endangered species
Forensics
:
Using DNA analysis to solve criminal cases