**Human variation & adaptation

Question 1

Define variation

Answer 1

in genetics, inherited differences among individuals; the bases of evolutionary change

Question 2

Define adaptation

Answer 2

a functional response to environmental conditions

Question 3

What is a population?

Answer 3

-an identifiable group within a species

Question 4

Define gene pool

Answer 4

the stock of different genes in an interbreeding population.

Question 5

What is a polytypic species?

Answer 5

-a species divided into local populations that differ in phenotypic traits ( humans are an example of this)

Question 6

Define stereotype

Answer 6

-the qualities of an individual being placed on others

Question 7

Who was Franz Boas? (1858-1942)

Answer 7

-emphasizes that biology culture psychology and language must be studied in order to understand a group ( breaking though racial moulds)

Question 8

Who was Carlton Coon? (1904-1981)

Answer 8

-believed that homo sapiens evolved from homo erectus 5 separate times into 5 different races

Question 9

What is skin colour influenced by?

Answer 9

-natural selection due to environmental exposure

Question 10

What is an epicanthic eye fold?

Answer 10

-small flap of skin branching from eyelid to bridge of nose ( may have been an adaptation to cold weather)

Question 11

Moken children’s pupils constrict in water, why is this?

Answer 11

-natural adaptation in expansion because they spend so much time in the water without goggles (in Thailand they make their living collecting shells)

Question 12

Define hypoxia

Answer 12

• oxygen starvation
• can happen living in high altitudes
• most populations that live in high altitudes can survive of less oxygen (adaptation)

Question 13

What is population genetics?

Answer 13

• the study of genetic variation within and among populations
• includes gene flow, natural selection and genetic drift

Question 14

What is microevolution?

Answer 14

• evolutionary processes that occur within a species

- can be observed over 2 to 3 generations

Question 15

Define Acclimitization

Answer 15

-short term changes in physiology that occur in response to changes in environmental conditions (eg- skin tanning)

Question 16

What is bergmanns rule?

Answer 16

-the colder the climate the bigger the body

Question 17

What is allens rule?

Answer 17

-the limbs are longer relative to body size in warmer climates and shorter in colder climates