Course review

A4.1 Evolution and speciation

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Learning objective

A4.1.1—Evolution as change in heritable characteristics

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• Evolution is cumulative change in heritable characteristics of a population • Acquired characteristics are not inherited in the Darwinian sense

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A4.1.2—Evidence from sequences

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• Universal DNA, genetic code, ATP use, and core metabolism support common ancestry • DNA, RNA, and protein sequence differences indicate relatedness and divergence

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Learning objective

A4.1.3—Evidence from selective breeding

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• Selective breeding shows traits can change rapidly under selection • Examples include pigeons, domesticated animals, Brassica crops, wheat, and maize

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A4.1.4—Evidence from homologous structures

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• Homologous structures share ancestry even when functions differ • Vertebrate pentadactyl limbs support divergent evolution and adaptive radiation

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A4.1.5—Convergent evolution

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• Analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins • Similar selection pressures can produce convergence, such as bat and insect wings

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A4.1.6—Speciation by splitting of pre-existing species

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• Speciation forms new species by splitting a pre-existing species • Isolated gene pools diverge through selection, mutation, and genetic drift

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A4.1.7—Reproductive isolation and differential selection

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• 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

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