Adaptation 1

Question 1

What is the role of natural selection in adaptation?

Answer 1

It improves the match of an organism and its environment

Question 2

What are the two definitions of adaptation?

Answer 2

1. Noun - trait evolved by natural selection
2. Process (still noun but ok) - Process by which traits evolve

Question 3

What are the two reasons care should be taken before calling something an adaptation?

Answer 3

1. The trait may not be for the stated function
2. The trait may not be an adaptation

Question 4

How can it be established that a trait is an adaptation?

Answer 4

It leads to a differential in reproduction

Question 5

What does the mice example teach us about the type of selection observed?

Answer 5

Divergent selection can be found in different places

Question 6

What are the criteria for a local adaptation?

Answer 6

The adaptation is evolved in different phenotypes in different places, and local phenotypes have higher fitness in their home environments

Question 7

What type of test refers to testing fitness of individuals in each other’s different environments?

Answer 7

Reciprocal transplant experiments

Question 8

What are the key takeaways to the finch experiment?

Answer 8

Evolution can happen quickly, and selection can vary in intensity and direction

Question 9

Why would selection not lead to adaptation?

Answer 9

Humans may select for disadvantageous traits