Modern Synthesis and Lysenkoism Concepts

The video explores the evolution of biology into the Modern Synthesis, combining Darwinian natural selection with Mendelian genetics. Key figures like Thomas Hunt Morgan and Theodosius Dobzhansky contributed to this framework, which remains influential today. The video also discusses the role of statistics in biology, the definition of species, and the impact of Lysenkoism in the Soviet Union. It concludes with the growing credibility of biology and hints at future topics like computing.

What was the main reason biology was considered late to the paradigm-shifting party compared to physics?

• Biologists focused only on fossils.

• Biology took longer to integrate Darwin's and Mendel's theories.

• Physics had more funding and resources.

• Biologists were not interested in new theories.

What does the Modern Synthesis primarily combine?

• Astronomy and biology

• Geology and paleontology

• Physics and chemistry

• Mendelian genetics and Darwinian natural selection

Which scientist is known for resolving the frustration between artificial and natural selection?

• Thomas Hunt Morgan

• Theodosius Dobzhansky

• Ernst Mayr

• Ronald A. Fisher

What was Ronald A. Fisher's contribution to the Modern Synthesis?

• He developed the theory of relativity.

• He created the first genetic linkage maps.

• He applied statistics to understand natural selection.

• He discovered the structure of DNA.

What was the main focus of Lysenkoism in the Soviet Union?

• Advancing space exploration

• Improving agricultural practices

• Developing nuclear weapons

• Enhancing medical research

What theory did Lysenko promote that aligned with Marxist principles?

• Natural selection

• Mendelian inheritance

• Lamarckian inheritance

• Quantum mechanics

What was the impact of Lysenkoism on Soviet genetics?

• It led to the advancement of genetic research.

• It caused a decline in agricultural productivity.

• It improved the Soviet Union's food supply.

• It resulted in the banning of population genetics.

Who was arrested and died due to Lysenko's influence in the Soviet Union?

• Nikolai Vavilov

• Thomas Hunt Morgan

• Julian Huxley

• J. B. S. Haldane

What was the significance of Julian Huxley's book 'Evolution: The Modern Synthesis'?

• It was a guide to space exploration.

• It focused on the development of nuclear weapons.

• It summarized the integration of evolution and genetics.

• It introduced the concept of relativity.

What does the conclusion of the video emphasize about the Modern Synthesis?

• It continues to evolve and be reshaped by new ideas.

• It was a static theory with no room for new ideas.

• It was universally accepted without criticism.

• It was only relevant during the Cold War.