Example Assignment

Evolutionary Biology

Answer the following questions relating to last weeks unit on Speciation

(Assignment total 10 points).
1. Two populations have separated from each other and become new species through allopatric speciation.
Which of the types of reproductive isolation mentioned in class definitely existed between these populations
during the speciation process (list 1)? 1 point
Answer: Allopatric
2. How do the three species concepts discussed in class differ in terms of the type of data used to define
species? 3 points
Answer: The Biological Species Concept requires data on the ability of purported species to interbreed
and produce fertile hybrids. The Morphological Species Concept requires measurements of many
phenotypic characters, including shapes, sizes, presence/absence, and color of various parts of the
organism. The Phyletic Species Concept requires information on the phylogenetic relationships
between purported species. This will most likely be in the form of dna loci.
3. Genetic Drift is shown to be the primary evolutionary force in driving speciation between two populations.
Which method of speciation (Allopatric, Parapatric, or Sympatric) is most likely given this information? 1 point
Answer: Allopatric

4. Two populations of ants are in the process of becoming distinct species due
differences in predation between the two populations. Draw an individual from each
population, illustrating what phenotypic difference these populations might have
due to predation differences (draw and state why the phenotypes are selected for in
each population). The phenotypic differences can be anything you like, so long as
you can logically relate them to differences in predation. 3 points
Answer:

The black ants are in the forest understory where it is dark, the red ants
are in the open savannah where red, sandy soils are more common. Each
color will therefore be better suited to blending into its respective
environment, but will be susceptible to predation in the other.

5. Draw a graph that illustrates phenotype frequencies for individuals with trait you
selected, with both axes labelled. Does this graph suggest selection on your trait is
driving speciation, and if so what kind of selection is it? 2 points.

Answer: Yes, there is a gap in the intermediate, suggesting that hybrids

will be selected against through disruptive selection.

Red

Intermediate
Ant Color

Black