The synthetic theory. Origin of species
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
Write five main principles of the synthetic theory.
Elementary unit – the population; elementary event – gene pool change; material – variation; directing factor – selection; evolution is divergent (any five).
2
Give two examples of allopatric speciation.
Galápagos finches; the endemic species of Lake Baikal (or species of the cotton genus).
3
Radish (n = 9) × cabbage (n = 9) gives a sterile hybrid; after chromosome doubling 2n = ? (Number only.)
36
4
What is polyploidy and why is it widespread in plants?
A multiple increase of the chromosome set; plants tolerate it and can continue by asexual reproduction.
5
Why is the idea that “evolution is only a theory” wrong? Explain with one line of evidence.
In science a theory is a well-supported explanation: for example the rise of antibiotic resistance by selection is directly observed, and fossils and DNA data agree.