Front

What is punctuated equilibrium?

Back

A theory in evolutionary biology that suggests species evolve during short periods of rapid change followed by long periods of stability.

Front

What is gradualism?

Back

A theory in evolutionary biology that suggests species evolve slowly and steadily over long periods of time.

Front

How does natural selection work?

Back

Natural selection is the process where individuals with favorable phenotypes are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.

Front

What is a cladogram?

Back

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

Front

What is an outgroup in a cladogram?

Back

The outgroup is the organism that is least closely related to the other organisms in the cladogram.

Front

What does natural selection act on?

Back

Natural selection acts on phenotypes, which are the observable traits of an organism.

Front

Why are single HIV drugs ineffective over time?

Back

Mutations in the HIV genome lead to reproductive success, allowing the virus to become resistant to the drugs.

Front

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial for survival and reproduction.

Front

Define allopatric speciation.

Back

Allopatric speciation is the process of speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated from each other.

Front

Define sympatric speciation.

Back

Sympatric speciation is the process of speciation that occurs when populations are in the same geographic area but evolve differently due to other factors.