Biogeography. Types of evolutionary change
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
List the six biogeographic regions.
Palaearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, Ethiopian (Africa), Indo-Malayan, Australian.
2
Why is knowledge of continental drift important for understanding marsupials in Australia?
Because Australia became separated, there was no competition with placentals, and marsupials survived and diversified.
3
Give two examples of convergence.
Dolphin and shark bodies; bird and insect wings (or cactus and euphorbia).
4
If a continent moves 4 cm a year, how many km in 25 million years? (1 km = 100 000 cm.) (Number only.)
1000
5
Why do groups from one ancestor look different in different environments?
Selection keeps different traits in each environment; adaptations differ through divergence.