Course review
Review each learning objective in this topic, then open its concept explanation or question set.
Learning objective
• Evolution is cumulative change in heritable characteristics of a population • Acquired characteristics are not inherited in the Darwinian sense
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Universal DNA, genetic code, ATP use, and core metabolism support common ancestry • DNA, RNA, and protein sequence differences indicate relatedness and divergence
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Selective breeding shows traits can change rapidly under selection • Examples include pigeons, domesticated animals, Brassica crops, wheat, and maize
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Homologous structures share ancestry even when functions differ • Vertebrate pentadactyl limbs support divergent evolution and adaptive radiation
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins • Similar selection pressures can produce convergence, such as bat and insect wings
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Speciation forms new species by splitting a pre-existing species • Isolated gene pools diverge through selection, mutation, and genetic drift
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Reproductive isolation reduces gene flow so populations can diverge • Geographic separation and different selection pressures can drive speciation • Chimpanzees and bonobos illustrate river-linked isolation and divergence
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Allopatric speciation involves geographic isolation • Sympatric speciation occurs without spatial separation • Temporal, behavioural, or intrinsic isolation can separate sympatric populations
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Adaptive radiation produces many related species from one ancestor • Divergence into different niches reduces competition • Darwin's finches illustrate beak adaptation to different feeding niches
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Prezygotic barriers include habitat, temporal, and behavioural isolation • Postzygotic barriers include inviable or infertile hybrids, such as mules
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Polyploidy can cause abrupt reproductive isolation in plants • Autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy can create fertile new lineages • Hybridization in Persicaria illustrates plant speciation by chromosome change
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.