BIO120H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Theodosius Dobzhansky, Macroevolution, Microevolution
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BIO120H1 Full Course Notes
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Small: easy questions to contribute towards solving a big problem. How (proximate questions): determining the physiological or genetic mechanisms. Why (ultimate questions): involve determining the ecological function and responsible for aspects of a trait adaptive significance of a trait. Theoretical: develop models - verbal, graphical, mathematical. Comparative: obtain same data from many species. Experimental: manipulate a system to address a specific hypothesis; requires an experimental design and statistical analysis. Important assumptions about evolution verified by scientific study. Organisms on earth have changed over time. Lineages split or branch by speciation resulting in the generation of biodiversity. Most evolutionary change results from natural selection- the only process responsible for the evolution of biodiversity and adaptation. Biodiversity and adaptation are products of evolution. Biodiversity: the variety of life on earth; the number and kinds of living organisms in a given area. Any trait that contributes to fitness by making an organism better able to survive or reproduce in a given environment.
