Modern Evolutionary Theory

Darwin and Everything After

Unresolved Points
How were traits passed from one generation to another?

Why was there variation within species?

Understanding Concepts
(Questions from Miller and Levine, 2002) Explain why sexual reproduction is a source of genetic variation.

Define evolution in genetic terms.

Explain how the Galapagos finches may have evolved.

GENETICS AND EVOLUTION

Genetics: Study of Inheritance

DNA, Genes, & Proteins

Nucleic acids
Polymers made of monomers called nucleotides

2 kinds of NAs:
RNA: A, G, C, U DNA: A, G, C, T

DNA, Genes, & Proteins

Gene
Units of heredity: how traits are passed from parent to offspring

DNA, Genes, & Proteins

Proteins
Polymers made of monomers called amino acids Workhorses of living systems e.g., ptyalin (enyzme), antibodies (cell signalling), keratin (structural proteins; see illustration at the right)

Central dogma of molecular biology

Framework for understanding the transfer of information between biomolecules

Genetic Code
Set of rules by which info in DNA/RNA is translated into amino acid sequences

Genetic Variation: Raw Material for Evolution

2 main sources:
1. Mutation
due to
mistakes in DNA replication environmental factors (radiation, chemicals, etc.) example: THEFATCATATETHEWEERAT. THE FAT CAT ATE THE WEE RAT. THE FAT HAT ATE THE WEE RAT. THE FAT CAA TET HEW EER AT. THE FAT ATE THE WEE RAT. THE FAT QRY ATE THE WEE RAT.

Why is sexual reproduction a source of genetic variation?

Genetic Variation: Raw Material for Evolution

2 main sources:
2. Gene shuffling
Genetic variation is not controlled or directed toward a goal. It does not occur because an organism needs or wants to evolveWhen variations do occur, natural selection then goes to work, selecting the successful ones (Miller and Levine, 2000). [14-3, Genes: Units of Variation]

Because members of a species can breed with one another, they share a common gene pool. Because of that shared gene pool, a genetic change that occurs in one individual can spread through the population as that individual and its offspring mate with other individuals. If the genetic change increases fitness, that gene will eventually be found in many individuals in the population. Members of a species can thus evolve together and interact with their environment in similar ways (Miller and Levine, 2000). [14-3, A Genetic
Definition for Species]

Genetic Variation: Raw Material for Evolution

If a species has enough genetic variation for it to evolve quickly enough to keep up with the environment, it will survive; else, it will become extinct.

How can we define evolution in genetic terms?

Genetic Drift
Natural selection is NOT always necessary for genetic change to occur. Genetic drift: when an allele becomes common in a population by chance
Implies that all characteristics of an organism do not have to contribute to its fitness

One-horned Rhinoceros unicornis

Two-horned Ceratotherium simum

ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION

Ecology and Evolution

No 2 spp. can occupy the same niche in the same location for a long period of time
Extinction: (-) impact on biodiversity (+) evolutionary aspect

How could the Galapagos finches have evolved?

Ecology and Evolution

Speciation by reproductive isolation
Separation of populations interbreeding Separate popns become better adapted to different environments separate gene pools become dissimilar Long separation permanent interbreeding Separate popns separate species

there are no living sciences, human attitudes, or institutional powers that remain unaffected by the ideasreleased by Darwins work.
- J. Collins