Biology 1010 Final Exam Take-home NAME________________

Answer all of the questions in the space provided.

You may want to use www.pdfescape.com

1) (5 pts) In order for Hardy and Weinberg to formulate a mathematical model for microevolution they
made five assumptions. List these assumptions and explain why they dont reflect what happens in
nature.
The 5 assumptions made by Hardy and Weinberg were:
1- The population size is very large.
2- Mating occurs at random
3- No mutation takes place
4- No new alleles are input into the population
5- No selection occurs
All 5 assumptions do no reflect what actually happens in nature. Population vary in size. When a
species mates, they tend to find a mate with the most desired traits (color, size, strength). Mutations
have to exist or a species could not evolve. New alleles are always being introduced into a population,
usually via migration. Selection absolutely occurs, natural selection, or survival of the fittest, is
necessary for a species to thrive.

2) (3 pts) One of the volcanic islands Darwin visited had sea shell fossils in a layer of rock that was
5000 feet above sea level. Why was this important to Darwin and the development of his theory?
These sea shell fossils showed that not only did these animals exist, but that they existed long ago, and
they were once in the water. The fact that they were so far above sea level showed that even the island
itself was still evolving.

3) (3 pts) What was it about An Essay on the Principle of Population by Malthus that helped
Darwin and Wallace formulate the theory of Natural Selection?
Essentially natural selection is survival of the fittest. Those species who are able to adapt to their
environment will survive longer. For example, the peppered moth was originally white and blended
in with the tree trunks in their environment. When the industrial revolution happened and dark coal
deposits began appearing in the environment, they were able to adapt and change their color to
blend in with their surroundings.

4) (4 pts) Give an example of convergent evolution and an example of divergent evolution. Make
sure to mention homology and analogy.
Convergent evolution occurs when species from different evolutionary branches come resemble
each other. When two species converge, their similar structures are said to be analogous. For example,
sharks and dolphins; both have fins for swimming. Divergent evolution occurs when species from the
same evolutionary branch become very different. When two species diverge, their common structures
are said to be homologous. An example of divergent evolution is cows and dolphins.

5) (2 pts) Describe what is meant by the term Punctuated Equilibrium. How does this differ from
Darwins concept of gradualism?
Punctuated equilibrium means that a species diverges quickly, but then remains unchanged for a long
period of time. Darwin's concept of gradualism shows that a species is actually slowly changing over a
a long period of time.

6) (5 pts) LIST and GIVE AN EXAMPLE for the FIVE types of evidence people use to support the
Principle of Evolution.
1- Bio-geography: study of what different plants and animals look like and where they live around the
world. For example, kangaroos are only found in Australia.
2- Fossil Record: record of all fossils found and the dating (including the era, the period and the epoch).
For example, how long has a rock or fossil gone without sunlight.
3- Comparative anatomy: shows animals having similar bone structures. Some are both similar in
structure and functionality. Others are similar in structure but differ in functionality.
4- Molecular biology: study of macro-molecules and how they relate to evolution.
5- Comparative embryology: used to show that early fazes of all embryos start out the same; yet over
time differences begin to appear. For example the embryos of humans and chimps.

7) (3 pts) How do biologist define a SPECIES? Describe an example were two individuals ARE the
same species AND an example where two individuals ARE NOT the same species.
Species are groups of populations that interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Dogs, for example,
are similar species and they are able to interbreed with in their species and produce offspring that is
also able to reproduce. On the flip side horses and donkeys are different species and yes, they can
breed but the mule offspring is sterile.