The following table shows a list of evolutionary processes and their associated characteristics: Select the correct option that matches the evolutionary process to its salient characteristic.Evolutionary process Characteristic A. Parallelism i. closely related groups evolve similar characteristics B. Convergence ii. individuals of different species crossbreed C. Introgression iii. crossbreeding between species is mediated by repeated backcrossing D. Hybridization iv. two or more distantly related groups acquire similar characteristics
A - i, B - iv, C - iii, D - ii
Understanding Evolutionary Processes
Evolutionary processes describe how life changes over time. Different processes lead to different patterns of similarity and difference among species.
Let's examine the evolutionary processes listed and their associated characteristics.
Evolutionary Process Definitions
- Parallelism: This occurs when two or more closely related evolutionary lineages evolve similar characteristics independently. They start from a similar ancestral state and evolve in parallel towards similar forms or traits.
- Convergence: This happens when distantly related organisms evolve similar characteristics independently. They often occupy similar ecological niches or face similar environmental pressures, leading to the development of similar adaptations despite their different evolutionary origins.
- Introgression: This is the movement of genes from one species into the gene pool of another by repeated backcrossing of an interspecific hybrid with one of the parent species. It's a form of gene flow between species.
- Hybridization: This refers to the process of interbreeding between individuals of different species or genetically distinct populations. The offspring resulting from this crossbreeding are called hybrids.
Characteristic Descriptions
- i. closely related groups evolve similar characteristics: This description fits Parallelism.
- ii. individuals of different species crossbreed: This description fits Hybridization.
- iii. crossbreeding between species is mediated by repeated backcrossing: This description fits Introgression.
- iv. two or more distantly related groups acquire similar characteristics: This description fits Convergence.
Matching Processes and Characteristics
Based on the definitions, we can match each evolutionary process with its correct characteristic:
- Evolutionary process A (Parallelism) matches characteristic i.
- Evolutionary process B (Convergence) matches characteristic iv.
- Evolutionary process C (Introgression) matches characteristic iii.
- Evolutionary process D (Hybridization) matches characteristic ii.
Therefore, the correct matching is: A - i, B - iv, C - iii, D - ii.
| Evolutionary Process | Matching Characteristic |
|---|---|
| A. Parallelism | i. closely related groups evolve similar characteristics |
| B. Convergence | iv. two or more distantly related groups acquire similar characteristics |
| C. Introgression | iii. crossbreeding between species is mediated by repeated backcrossing |
| D. Hybridization | ii. individuals of different species crossbreed |
Let's compare this matching to the given options.
Option 1: A - iv, B - i, C - ii, D - iii (Incorrect)
Option 2: A - i, B - iv, C - iii, D - ii (Correct)
Option 3: A - iv, B - iii, C - i, D - ii (Incorrect)
Option 4: A - iv, B - ii, C - iii, D - i (Incorrect)
The matching A - i, B - iv, C - iii, D - ii correctly links each evolutionary process to its salient characteristic.
Important Questions from Evolution and Behavior
Reduction in the frequency of heterozygous genotype with a concomitant increase in the frequency of homozygous genotype, in context of random mating is due to
A founder population has an Aa heterozygous genotype with a frequency of 1, and no individual with either AA or aa genotypes. With repeated self-fertilization, the frequency of AA, Aa and aa after three generations will be:
Many species of birds call at dawn in temperate regions. The phenomenon is referred to as "Dawn Chorus". Several explanations have been proposed for this. Which one of the options is NOT a correct explanation for the occurrence of "Dawn Chorus"?
- Column X lists evolutionary ideas and scientists who proposed them, and Column Y lists the description of these ideas.
Column X
Column Y
A.
Modern synthesis by Julian Huxley
I.
A stochastic process where lineages show random geneological relationships when traced back in time.
B.
Phyletic gradualism by Charles Darwin
II.
Evolutionary change appears instantaneous between geological sedimentary layers.
C.
Punctuated equilibrium by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge
III.
Synthesis between Mendelian genetics, population genetics, and selection theory.
D.
Coalescent model (inspired by) Wright- Fisher model
IV.
New species arise by the gradual transformation of ancestral species.
Which one of the following options represents all correct matches between Column X and Column Y? Which one of the following statements about the molecular clock hypothesis as proposed by Zuckerkandl and Pauling 1962 is CORRECT?
