Evolutionary biologists often say that evolution “selects for outcomes” not for the particular genetic changes that lead to that adaptive outcome. Given that perspective, is it surprising that different gene mutations might be involved in the evolution of the same trait (such as light skin or adaptation to living in high mountains)? Why or why not?

Evolutionary biologists often say that evolution “selects for outcomes” not for the particular genetic changes that lead to that adaptive outcome. Given that perspective, is it surprising that different gene mutations might be involved in the evolution of the same trait (such as light skin or adaptation to living in high mountains)? Why or why not?

Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Course List)

11th Edition

ISBN:9781305251052

Author:Michael Cummings

Publisher:Michael Cummings

Chapter10: From Proteins To Phenotypes

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 23QP

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Do you think the human race is continuing to evolve in a Darwinian, genetic sense? Are the genes of our species changing? Do not just write "yes" or "no," but explain why you think so. In addition, include in your explanation of how the mechanisms of evolution, such as natural selection, would be at play.
What is a gene? Why are regulatory genes important to the evolutionary process? What is a mutation as defined in this course and readings. Are the end results of a mutation always "good" or always "bad"? Or is a mutation perhaps neither always good or always bad and could be "neutral or no effect" or "adaptive" in some situations? Does it depend on the gene, amino acid, protein, and case-by-case scenario? What genetic evidence suggests that humans are a part of a biological continuum with all life forms. Does the number of genes in a biological organism correlate, predict, or denote the complexity of the organism? Does the number of chromosomes in a biological organism correlate, predict, or denote the complexity of the organism?
Why is natural selection the only agent of evolution that consistently produces adaptation?
Generally, will natural selection result in an increase or decrease in variation? Why does this happen, and how, in theory, will it affect evolution in the future?
Is gene transfer a form of eugenics? Is it advantageous to use gene transfer to eliminate some genetic disorders? Can this and other technology be used to influence the evolution of our species? Should there be guidelines for the use of genetic technology to control its application to human evolution? Who should create and enforce these guidelines?
Evolution by natural selection is founded on what basic idea? Random genetic mutations that help a species survive will be more likely to be passed to future generations. Only traits that will help an individual organism survive will be passed down to future generations. Only the biggest, strongest, fastest, or smartest creatures survive. Traits that animals acquire over their life will be taught to future generations.
How might an evolutionary biologist explain why a species of salamander becomes blind after colonizing a cave? Group of answer choices Members of the ancestral population that colonized the cave differed in their ability to see. If maintaining the ability to see in the cave was a waste of energy, blind salamanders might actually have more offspring than those who could see. It is possible that in the cave there is a source of pollution that increases the mutation rate for a gene that makes salamanders blind. Over time, due to exposure to this chemical, the membersof the population lose their sight. There is no way to explain this in terms of natural selection. The members of this salamander species no longer needed to use their eyes. Over time, due to lack of use, they lost the ability to see.
During a study session about evolution, one of your fellow students remarked “The giraffe stretched its neck while reaching for higher leaves; its offspring inherited longer necks as a result.” Which statement is MOST likely to be helpful in correcting this student’s misconception? Why? * No answer Disuse of an organ may lead to its eventual disappearance. Spontaneous mutations can result in the appearance of new traits. Only favorable adaptations have survival value. Characteristics acquired during an organism’s life are generally not passed on through genes.
Evolution is sometimes characterized as “survival of the fittest.” Is this wording consistent with an evolutionary biologist’s definitions of fitness and natural selection? Is it a good way to think about evolution or a poor one?
Skin color in humans is an example of an evolutionary trade-off: a situation where a trait that is an advantage in one context is a disadvantage in a different context. Darker skin protects DNA from damage due to ultraviolet radiation (an advantage) but makes it harder for the body to produce vitamin D (a disadvantage). Based on what you’ve learned, which of the following describe other examples of evolutionary trade-offs? Select all that apply.
Which of the following is true about adaptation? a) It occurs through the inheritance of acquired characteristics b) It always results in the evolution of new traits c) It is a result of chance mutations d) It is the result of natural selection acting on heritable variation
While the French biologist LaMarck was correct in proposing that evolution does occur, he believed that the long necks of giraffes evolved as generations of giraffes reached for ever higher leaves on the trees. Using these observations, LaMarck proposed the theory that evolution occurs due to the inheritance of characteristics acquired during an organism’s lifetime. From what you know about the scientific method, why is this incorrect?