Nonrandom Natural Mutation Gene Flow Gene drift

mating Selection
Description Selection of Certain Changes in an Movement of Random
mating advantageous organism’s genes between fluctuations in
partners based traits become genetic populations. allele
on specific more common material. frequencies in
traits. in a small
population. populations.
Effect on Can change the Can decrease A significant Can increase Can decrease
genetic frequency of genetic source of genetic genetic
variation certain traits. variation. genetic variation. variation.
variation.
Effect on Can have Generally The effect Can have The effect
average fitness varying effects. increases depends on varying effects. depends on
average the specific chance events,
fitness. mutation and but is generally
environment. small
compared to
other
mechanisms.

1. What is relative fitness? Relative fitness is a measure of an individual’s ability to survive and
reproduce compared to others in a population.

2. Differentiate directional, disruptive and stabilizing selections. Directional selection occurs when
extreme phenotypes at one end of a trait distribution are favored, while disruptive selection
occurs when extreme phenotypes at both ends of a trait distribution are favored, and
stabilizing selection occurs when intermediate phenotypes are favored.

3. What are the different types of mutation? The different types of mutations include point
mutations, insertions and deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations.

4. What are the conditions needed to be met for Natural selection to occur? Natural selection
requires heritable variation in traits, differential reproductive success based on these traits,
and the presence of variation within a population.

5.Expound the following phrases:

a. Mutation is the ultimate source of variation. Mutation is the ultimate source of variation
because it introduces new genetic variation that natural selection and other mechanisms of
evolution can act upon.

b. If mutation did not occur, evolution would eventually stop. Without mutation, populations
would lack genetic diversity and would not be able to adapt to changing environments,
ultimately leading to a stop in evolution.