Evolution and Domestication

Question 1

What is the definition of Vestigial?

Answer 1

Forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable.

Question 2

What does Precocial refer to?

Answer 2

Hatched or born in an advanced state and able to feed itself almost immediately.

Question 3

Define Altricial.

Answer 3

Hatched or born in an undeveloped state and requiring care and feeding by the parents.

Question 4

What is Adaptation?

Answer 4

A heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism’s fitness or survival.

Question 5

What does Fitness mean in evolutionary terms?

Answer 5

The suitability of an organism to the prevailing conditions of its environment.

Question 6

What is Evolution?

Answer 6

Descent with modification from preexisting species.

Question 7

How does evolution help us understand modern animals?

Answer 7

It provides insights into the interactions and relationships we have with domesticated animals today.

Question 8

Cambrian period

Answer 8

-Cambrian Explosion
-ancestors of todays animals appear (w/spinal cords
-540 Million years

Question 9

The Cambrian Explosion

Answer 9

is a paradox because its seemingly untrue, but happened anyways, explosion of life so suddenly

Question 10

Triassic Period

Answer 10

1st mammals appear, 250 Million years

Question 11

Jurassic Period

Answer 11

1st birds appear
150 Million years ago

Question 12

Tertiary Period

Answer 12

genus homo first appeared
65 million years ago

Question 13

Charles Darwin “On the origin of species”

Answer 13

all species of organisms arise and develop through natural selection of small inherited variation that increase the individuals ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.

Question 14

What does ‘Descent with Modification’ imply?

Answer 14

All species arise from one or more common ancestor(s) through minor differences over time.

Question 15

What are the basic principles of the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection?

Answer 15

Organisms evolve as they: possess the ability to vary, reproduce in excess, and are exposed to a continually changing environment.

Question 16

Charles Darwin’s tree of life

Answer 16

inference that all species come from one common ancestors

Question 17

True or False: Natural Selection introduces variation.

Answer 17

False.

Question 18

What does reproductive excess lead to in evolution?

Answer 18

Increases the opportunity for genetic variation and survival advantage.

Question 19

What is Convergent Evolution?

Answer 19

Species of differing taxonomy develop similar (analogous) traits to best adapt to their lifestyle.
EX. Bats, Birds, insects-wings to fly

Question 20

What is Divergent Evolution?

Answer 20

Species of similar taxonomy develop homologous traits to adapt to their lifestyle.
Ex. Darwin’s finches, beaks

Question 21

What are E.O. Price’s Preadaptations for Domestication?

Answer 21

A captive niche, behavioral plasticity, reproductive traits, and specific behavioral traits.

Question 22

What is the definition of domestication?

Answer 22

The process by which a population of animals becomes adapted to man and the captive environment through genetic changes and environmental interactions.

Question 23

What are some characteristics selected for during domestication?

Answer 23

Tameness, appearance, developmental traits, reproduction, and growth.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Domestication requires adaptation at both _______ and _______ level.

Answer 24

[individual] and [population].

Question 25

What is the primary force behind evolution?

Answer 25

The physical environment.

Question 26

What is the primary force behind domestication?

Answer 26

The social environment.

Question 27

What are some reasons for domestication?

Answer 27

* Reliable food source * Transportation and work * Status * Social and religious ceremony

Question 28

Where did the domestication of animals likely begin?

Answer 28

In Mesopotamia or the Near East, known as the 'Cradle of Civilization.'

Question 29

What does the term 'Preadaptation's' refer to in domestication?

Answer 29

Traits that predispose species to be more easily domesticated.

Question 30

True or False: All species are equally amenable to domestication.

Answer 30

False.

Question 31

What role does genetic variability play in domestication?

Answer 31

It is essential for the successful selection of desirable traits.

Question 32

What is the relationship between domestication and agrarian society?

Answer 32

Domestication coincided with the development of agrarian society due to increased human population.

Question 33

By how many years ago were almost all domesticated animals permanent fixtures in human societies?

Answer 33

By 2500 years BP

Question 34

What was the first animal to undergo domestication?

Answer 34

Canis lupus (gray wolf)

Question 35

What unique characteristic does Canis familiaris have among mammalian species?

Answer 35

Most phenotypic variation

Question 36

What are the two types of selection involved in domestication?

Answer 36

* Natural selection * Human directed selection

Question 37

What is a key difference between evolution and domestication?

Answer 37

Domestication involves adaptation, not just taming

Question 38

What coincides with the development of agrarianism?

Answer 38

Domestication of animals

Question 39

Fill in the blank: The domestication timeline is not set and varies based on _______.

Answer 39

[various forms of evidence]