Evolutionary Patterns

 

Mitochondrial DNA and Y Chromosome

Mitochondrial DNA is solely passed along the maternal lineage and the Y chromosome is solely passed along the paternal lineage. Used for the study of genetic diversity due to lack of recombination.

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Genetics of Small Populations

Genetic drift, founder's effect, and bottleneck effect can have dramatic affect on small populations.

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Genetic Evidence for Evolution and Evolutionary Trees

Evolutionary trees based on DNA or RNA sequences - mutations and divergence. Sequences that are non-essential contain more variation/neutral mutations.

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Character Displacement

Changes in physical characteristics that lead to competitive co-existence. Example: Beak depth of species on the same island.

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Evolution–Interspecific Competition

Growth, changes, and immigration of species inhabiting different islands.

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Predation

Predation as a force of evolution. Prey and predator logistic equations that are dependent on each other's densities, creating an oscillatory system. Example: Snowshoe hare and cats; prey and predator mites.

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Predation and Community Structure

John Wart's experiment that demonstrated that predation affects community structure within a niche. Predators and prey that drive evolution of both populations. Example: Industrial melanism.

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