Biology 1010 Final Exam Take-home NAME________________

Nhi Vo

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 population size is very large

- Mating occurs at random
- No mutation takes place
- No new alleles are input into the population (migration).
- No selection occurs

Doesn't reflect in nature since they assume it's natural selection, frequency will remain
constant over period of time if no evolution is evolved.

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?

The sea shells indicated that at one point that part of the mountain was underwater
and that over time, the island slowly uplifted above sea level. So this proved that the
earth is constantly changing.
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?

The principle population says that in the future, the population will increase a lot,
but the food production will not be able to keep up, so Darwin and Wallace use
that in their natural selection theory, of the strong surviving in passing that ability
to their children and the weak dying off.

4) (3 pts) Give an example of convergent evolution and an example of divergent evolution. Make
sure to mention homology and analogy.

Convergent - when two species converge, their similar structures are said to be
Analogous.
(ex) Dolphins and sharks.

Divergent - when two species diverge, their common structures are said to be Homologous.
(ex) Cows and dolphins.

5) (3 pts) Describe what is meant by the term Punctuated Equilibrium. How does this differ from
Darwins concept of gradualism?

Punctuated Equilibrium - is Evolution happens fast than nothing happens for a long time,
then Evolution happen again.
Darwin's Evolution - says that Evolution is slow over a great 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.

- Biogeography: The animals in the Galapagos can only be found there.

- Fossil Record: Extinct species of the Equus reveals that these ancient species resembles
the modern horse, but varied in size.

- Comparative Anatomy: The similar construction of the human, dog, bird, whale, indicate
that these organisms share a common ancestor.

- Molecular Biology: This deals with the molecular basis of biology activity and the molecular
connection between different animals.

- Comparative Embryology: This compares embryos of different species. It is used to show

how all animals related. (ex) A fish to a bird, they both have two chamber heart and a tail
with muscles to move.

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.

- The Poodle and Cocker Spaniel can reproduce to produce a breed known as the Cockapoo.
- The African Eagle is similar to the appearance of the Bald Eagle, but they are two different species.

A species is a group of individual organisms that interbreed and produce fertile, viable
offspring. If they can or do breed in nature, they are the same species.