HOMEWORK 43
Listening 17.1
Part A.
1. 2. Evolution is about organisms adapting to their environment during their
lifetime.
2. C.
3. B.
4. A.
5. C.
6. B.
7. C.
8. B.
9. C.
10.C.
Part B.
1. Many people think individual organisms evolve during their lifetime by
adapting to their environment, but in reality, evolution occurs at the
population level through genetic changes over generations.
2. Lamarck proposed that organisms acquire traits during their lifetime and pass
them to offspring, while Darwin (and modern evolutionary theory) states that
evolution occurs through random genetic mutations and natural selection.
3. It misleadingly suggests that evolution favors the strongest or fastest
individuals, whereas “fitness” actually refers to reproductive success in a
given environment.
4. Because evolution is driven by the passing on of genes to the next
generation. Even if an organism survives, if it doesn’t reproduce, its genes
are not passed on.
5. If the gene is shared with relatives who survive and reproduce, it can still be
passed on through them (kin selection).
6. Because genes do not have consciousness or desires. This is a metaphorical
way of describing how genes that promote successful reproduction become
more common over time.
7. There is no predetermined plan or ideal form in evolution. It proceeds
blindly through random mutations and environmental pressures.
8. It shows that survival is not the key to evolutionary success—reproduction
is. The male anglerfish is poorly suited for survival but has evolved to
reproduce quickly before dying.
Listening 17.2
Part A
1. C.
2. B.
3. C.
4. D.
5. C.
6. D.
7. B.
8. B.
9. B.
10.C.
11.B.
12.B.
Part B
1. The net change in organisms or a population.
One that occurs over the span of many generations.
What they imply: The first part tells us what changes (traits in populations)
and hints at how (mechanisms like natural selection). The second part tells
us when change happens (over long periods) and implies how it's transmitted
(through reproduction and inheritance).
2. Recombination contributes to genetic diversity by: mixing and rematching
different versions of genes from the two parents during the formation of egg
and sperm cells. This creates unique new combinations of genes in the
offspring, which is why siblings look different from each other.
3. Mutations can affect an organism in different ways:
Most are neutral: They cause no noticeable change.
Some are beneficial: They can create new, helpful traits (e.g., a mutation
allowing better camouflage to hide from predators).
Some are harmful: They can cause diseases or weaken an organism.
4. Natural selection is the process where: the environment “selects” traits that
increase an organism's fitness (its ability to survive and reproduce).
Individuals with advantageous traits (e.g., better hearing to detect predators)
are more likely to live longer, reproduce, and pass those traits to their
offspring. Over many generations, this leads to an increase of those
beneficial traits in the population, resulting in evolutionary change.
5. Artificial selection is different from natural selection because: in artificial
selection, humans are the selective force, choosing and breeding organisms
for specific desired traits (e.g., breeding wolves for loyalty to create dogs). In
natural selection, the natural environment is the selective force, favoring
traits that aid survival and reproduction in the wild.
6. Genetic drift is a random change in the traits (gene pool) of a population due
to chance events, not because the traits are advantageous. It can influence
evolution when, for example, a natural disaster randomly kills most of a
population, leaving a small group with a different mix of genes by luck to
become the ancestors of future generations.
7. Speciation occurs through: a long process where populations of the same
species become isolated (e.g., by a geographic barrier) and evolve separately.
Different mutations, recombination, natural selection, and genetic drift in
each group create a "gulf of differences" until they become distinct
species. Example: Darwin's finches evolved into different species on the
Galapagos Islands after their ancestors migrated from the mainland and
adapted to different food sources on different islands.
8. Scientists study evolution today by observing it directly in the lab by
breeding fast-reproducing organisms (like bacteria or flies) under different
conditions, and studying the fossil record to find intermediate forms that
show evolutionary transitions (e.g., fossils showing how whales evolved
from land mammals). This evidence tells us that life's incredible diversity is
the result of billions of years of evolution working through various
mechanisms.
Science Question
17.1. A – B – C. Bears with thicker fur, more body fat, and larger size are better
at conserving heat.
17.2. B-C-A. In sooty areas, dark-colored moths survive better because they are
camouflaged. In cleaner areas, light-colored moths are more common.
17.3. Compare how similar the trait is between close relatives (like parents and
children) versus unrelated individuals. If the trait is more similar among
relatives, it is likely heritable.
17.4. No, this is sexual selection, not natural selection. The females’ preference
for red bands relates to attracting mates, not to survival in the environment.
17.5. No, this change is mostly due to better nutrition, healthcare, and living
conditions (phenotypic plasticity), not a change in the genetic makeup of the
population over generations.
17.6. Due to limited resources on islands: Large animals shrink to need less
food. Small animals grow larger to improve competition and defense.
17.7. Yes, because less colorful feathers provide better camouflage while
nesting and caring for young, reducing the risk of being seen by predators.
17.8. Because humans, chimps, and gorillas share a common ancestor that lived
millions of years ago. Humans did not evolve directly from modern chimps or
gorillas.
17.9.
Similar: Both cause changes in the traits of a population over time.
Different: Artificial selection is driven by humans choosing desired traits.
Natural selection is driven by the environment favoring traits that help survival
and reproduction.
17.10. Not necessarily. Green color in insects is often for camouflage, not a
warning of poison. Many green insects are harmless.
17.11. Yes, because egg color can: Provide camouflage from predators, help
regulate temperature (lighter eggs reflect heat), in some species, signal egg
quality to the parents