Question 1

In natural populations, the assumptions of the Hardy-Weinberg principle are usually met.

Accepted Answer

While the Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a useful theoretical framework for understanding gene frequency changes in a population, it is rare for all of the assumptions to be met in natural populations. Factors such as selection, mutation, genetic drift, and migration can all cause deviations from equilibrium, leading to changes in allele frequencies over time.

Question 2

Use an example to explain how and why the genotype and environment influence the phenotype of an organism.

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Question 3

Explain the difference between phenotypic plasticity and adaptation, and suggest how you would collect data that would distinguish between them.

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Question 4

Describe the general relationship between an autotroph and a heterotroph.

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Question 5

Explain the ecotype concept.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Humans have contributed to the prevalence of resistant bacteria by inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Accepted Answer

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have been identified as major factors contributing to the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When antibiotics are used inappropriately, such as not finishing a prescribed course of antibiotics or using antibiotics for non-bacterial infections, bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics, and this resistance can be passed on to other bacteria.

Question 7

Why are organisms not 'perfectly' adapted to their environment?

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Question 8

List the five conditions for a lack of evolution according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle. Explain how these factors might contribute to population stasis.

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Question 9

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a population to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Accepted Answer

Phenotypic plasticity refers to the ability of an individual organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental conditions, not the adaptation of a population.

Question 10

Explain how the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance in bacteria provides an excellent example of rapid evolution by natural selection.

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Question 11

According to the research of Beren Robinson, how would you expect stickleback species to differ between two lakes, one of which supports two species of stickleback and the other which has a single species?

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Question 12

Explain how the effects of mutation, genetic drift, and gene flow influence the genetic variation of a population.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Explain the concept of a trade-off and suggest how this idea relates to the diversity of species we see among different habitats.

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Question 14

Describe the differences between stabilizing, disruptive, and directional selection.

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Question 15

Describe the two main conditions for evolution by natural selection as offered by Darwin in The Origin of Species.

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Quiz 5: Ecological Genetics: Adaptation and Natural Selection