17.4 Molecular Evolution

Understand Key Concepts

  1. A group of related genes that resulted from the duplication and modification of a single gene is called a

    1. gene pool.

    2. molecular clock.

    3. lateral gene transfer.

    4. gene family.

  2. Each “tick” of a molecular clock is an occurrence of

    1. genetic drift.

    2. crossing-over.

    3. DNA mutation.

    4. mitosis.

  3. How do chromosomes gain an extra copy of a gene during meiosis?

  4. What are neutral mutations?

  5. What is the study of “evo-devo,” and how is it related to evolution?

Think Critically

  1. Pose Questions What kinds of questions would scientists who are studying the evolution of Hox genes most likely be asking?

  2. Apply Concepts Describe the relationship between evolutionary time and the similarity of genes in two species.

Connecting Concepts

Use Science Graphics

Use the data table to answer questions 35 and 36.

d

  1. Interpret Tables Describe the trend shown by the data in the table.

  2. Form a Hypothesis What might account for the trend shown by the data?

Write About Science

  1. Explanation Explain the process that may have caused fruit flies to have fewer legs than their ancestors had.

  2. Assess the Sometimes, biologists say, “Evolution is ecology over time.” Explain that statement.

Analyzing Data

The graph shows data regarding the lengths of the beaks of three finch species. The percentage of individuals in each category of beak length is given.

A freehand curve titled 'Beak Length in Three Finch Species' shows data regarding the lengths of the beaks of three finch species.dd

  1. Interpret Graphs What is the shortest beak length observed in species A?

    1. 3 mm

    2. 6 mm

    3. 9 mm

    4. 12 mm

  2. Analyze Data Which of the following is a logical interpretation of the data?

    1. Species B eats the smallest seeds.

    2. About 50 percent of species C eats seeds that are 20 mm long.

    3. Species C eats the largest seeds.

    4. All three species eat seeds of the same size.

End ofPage 506

Table of Contents

Miller & Levine Biology
About the Authors
Changing the World of Biology Education
Contents
Diversity of Life: A Visual Guide DOL•1–DOL•64
Labs and Activities
Features
UNIT 1 The Nature of Life
1 The Science of Biology
2 The Chemistry of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 2 Ecology
3 The Biosphere
4 Ecosystems and Communities
5 Populations
6 Humans in the Biosphere
Unit Project
UNIT 3 Cells
7 Cell Structure and Function
8 Photosynthesis
9 Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
10 Cell Growth and Division
Unit Project
UNIT 4 Genetics
11 Introduction to Genetics
12 DNA
13 RNA and Protein Synthesis
14 Human Heredity
15 Genetic Engineering
Unit Project
UNIT 5 Evolution
16 Darwin's Theory of Evolution
17 Evolution of Populations
18 Classification
19 History of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 6 From Microorganisms to Plants
20 Viruses and Prokaryotes
21 Protists and Fungi
22 Introduction to Plants
23 Plant Structure and Function
24 Plant Reproduction and Response
Unit Project
UNIT 7 Animals
25 Introduction to Animals
26 Animal Evolution and Diversity
27 Animal Systems I
28 Animal Systems II
29 Animal Behavior
Unit Project
UNIT 8 The Human Body
30 Digestive and Excretory Systems
31 Nervous System
32 Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
33 Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
34 Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
35 Immune System and Disease
Unit Project
A Visual Guide to The Diversity of Life
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
THE TREE OF LIFE
Bacteria
Protists
Fungi
Plants
Animals
Appendices
Appendix A Science Skills
Appendix B Lab Skills
Appendix C Technology & Design
Appendix D Math Skills
Appendix E Periodic Table
Glossary
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q, R
S
T
U
V
W
X, Y, Z
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Credits
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