Explore BrainMass

Explore BrainMass

    Evolutionary Genetics

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    Evolution explained in this solution

    1. Natural selection is not only known mechanism which drives evolution. Other mechanisms include genetic drift, sexual selection, artificial selection, group selection (inclusive fitness) and the neutral theory. Briefly explain how each of these "alternate" evolutionary mechanisms functions. 2. A variety of mechanisms have b

    Evolution and Adaptive Radiation

    1. Why is a comparison of the structure of human eyes and octopus eyes such an excellent example of how evolution functions, why it doesn't always produce the "best" possible structure, and why intelligent design isn't supported by "real world" observations? 2. The finches on the Galapagos Islands - commonly, if incorrectly,

    Evolution: Protostomes and Deuterostomes

    Once multicellular organisms evolved bilateral symmetry, they soon split into two major evolutionary lines: Protostomes and Dueterostomes. Examples of protostomes include insects, earthworms, and clams; examples of dueterostomes include humans, snakes, and sea urchins. What is the scientific/evolutionary basis of dividing mo

    Darwin and Evolution

    1. List four (4) reasons why Darwin failed to publish his ideas about natural selection for almost 20 years? 2. Eye color in fruit flies (Drosophila) is a sex-linked trait where the dominant allele coes for red eyes and the recessive codes for white eyes. If you cross a white-eyed female with a red-eyed male, what eye colors

    Discussing Darwin and Evolution

    1. In Darwin's five-year voyage, how did each of the following influence the development of his ideas: Oceanic islands, coral atolls, sea-going iguanas, geographic variation.

    Lines of Evidence

    Define evolution in modern terms. List and briefly discuss five different lines of evidence that support evolution.

    Speciation and Extinction

    Speciation and extinction have shaped the biodiversity we observe on Earth today. Organism and populations are constantly evolving and changing in response to their environment. 1) Discuss small populations and extinction vortices. 2) Discuss reasons why plant and animal populations may differ in their susceptibility

    Evolution - Virus Domination

    What does Joshua Ledergerg mean when he says "Our only real competition for domination of the planet remains the viruses"?

    Immune Response and Allergy

    Background Info Many of the most devastating human diseases result from an attack of various microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi) on the human body. The flu epidemic of 1918 killed 22 million Americans and Europeans in just 18 months, and our ongoing war against the HIV virus is still waging. In order to fight against this ons

    Why is multicellularity significant

    6. Why is multicellularity significant? 7. What's an example of a specialization in body form and what is its benefit? 8. 545 mya there was an explosion of life called the Cambrian Explosion. Name two groups of organisms which appeared during this time period and list one living relative of the group. 9. Are there known

    Mesozoic Era: Biological Evolution

    Mesozoic Era 1. What were some of the landmarks which occurred during the Mesozoic Era? Time of the Dinosaurs 1. What evolutionary line did mammals evolve from? 2. What is convergent evolution? Give an example 3. What was the first bird? It has characteristics of birds and dinosaurs; what are they? 4. What evidence is th

    Interpret scientific evidence for human evolution

    See attached file for full problem description. Question 1. Simplified time chart of primate evolution a) Refer to the chart above and name the two most primitive primate lines. (No need to explain, just refer to the chart above in your answer). b) Between 15 and 25 million years ago (mya) a major differentiation occurr

    Identify trends in human biological or cultural evolution.

    (See attached file for full problem description, including diagrams.) Interpret scientific evidence for human evolution. Identify trends in human biological or cultural evolution. Question 1. The diagram below shows a hominid family tree based on DNA similarities. Use this diagram to answer question a. a) Name the hom

    The Evolution of Virulent Diseases

    I'm thinking of this topic "somatic evolution of cancer cells" can you tell me if this would be an appropiate topic for this class also how can i expand on this topic. However you can help i would greatly appreciate it.

    Genetics/ Evolution for Sex-Limited Genes

    You have found a sex-limited gene that codes for male color in a Lake Victoria cichlid fish species. The dominant (R) allele codes for a red color and the recessive (r) allele codes for a greenish color. a) As you examine different populations of this species, you find that the R allele predominates in some populations and r

    Darwin's theory of evolution

    What kind of specimen (choose one) Darwin collected during his five-year voyage aboard the Beagle? How this piece of evidence contributed to Darwin's understnding of the mechanism of evolution?

    Australia, bird with three-toed feet

    A. At one time the continent of Australia was connected to Asia. About 50 million years ago Australia became separated. It has many unusal animal not found elsewhere, such as the kangaroo and the koala bear. Using the concepts of geographic isolation the gene pool, explain why these animal developed. B.A species of bird with

    Evolution is discussed.

    Is "evolution" a proven fact or a theory? What other ideas compete with evolution to explain changes in populations? What are the differences between these competing ideas?

    Evolution

    Can you please clearly explain the following: I know that in evolutionary terms "success" can be defined in many different ways. What are they most successful organisms you can think of in terms of (a) persistence over time (b) sheer numbers of individuals alive now (c) numbers of species and (d) geograp

    Viruses Mutations

    The survival of viruses is a great example of natural selection and survival of the fittest. One such example is HIV. HIV reproduces very quickly (about 10 million new viruses per day. HIV lacks the proteins which repair mutations, and therefore there will be many mutations resulting from this rapid reproduction. The rapid rat

    Evolution of Bacteria in Relation to Human Disease

    Bacterial mutations are a great example of natural selection, especially those that cause the flu. But what happens when we can't develop a vaccine for a certain type of flu bacteria? If it turns out to be a deadly type, think about the population in the big cities that could be effected.