BIO 182: General Biology II - Key Topics and
Concepts
1. Evolutionary Biology:
- Theory of Evolution:
- Evolution is the process through which species change
over time due to genetic variation, natural selection, and
other mechanisms.
- Understanding the contributions of Charles Darwin
and Alfred Russel Wallace to the theory of natural
selection.
- **Mechanisms of Evolution: **
- **Natural Selection: ** The differential survival and
reproduction of individuals due to differences in
phenotype.
- **Genetic Drift: ** Random changes in allele
frequencies within a population, which can lead to
significant changes over time, especially in small
populations.
, - **Gene Flow: ** The movement of genes or alleles
between interbreeding populations, affecting genetic
diversity.
- **Mutation: ** Changes in DNA that can introduce
new genetic material into a population and are a
primary source of genetic variation.
- **Sexual Selection: ** A form of natural selection
where certain traits increase an individual's chance of
mating and passing on their genes.
2. Biodiversity and Classification:
- **Understanding Biodiversity: **
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in all its
forms, from genes and species to ecosystems.
- The importance of conserving biodiversity for
ecosystem stability, resilience, and human benefits.
- **Taxonomy and Systematics: **
- The science of naming, describing, and classifying
organisms into a hierarchical system.
Concepts
1. Evolutionary Biology:
- Theory of Evolution:
- Evolution is the process through which species change
over time due to genetic variation, natural selection, and
other mechanisms.
- Understanding the contributions of Charles Darwin
and Alfred Russel Wallace to the theory of natural
selection.
- **Mechanisms of Evolution: **
- **Natural Selection: ** The differential survival and
reproduction of individuals due to differences in
phenotype.
- **Genetic Drift: ** Random changes in allele
frequencies within a population, which can lead to
significant changes over time, especially in small
populations.
, - **Gene Flow: ** The movement of genes or alleles
between interbreeding populations, affecting genetic
diversity.
- **Mutation: ** Changes in DNA that can introduce
new genetic material into a population and are a
primary source of genetic variation.
- **Sexual Selection: ** A form of natural selection
where certain traits increase an individual's chance of
mating and passing on their genes.
2. Biodiversity and Classification:
- **Understanding Biodiversity: **
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in all its
forms, from genes and species to ecosystems.
- The importance of conserving biodiversity for
ecosystem stability, resilience, and human benefits.
- **Taxonomy and Systematics: **
- The science of naming, describing, and classifying
organisms into a hierarchical system.
