Biology 3466B Lecture : Evolution Notes
3 Feb 2012
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Adaptations: adaptations are traits that have evolved due to persistent natural (or sexual) selection. It is a trait that increases the ability of an individual to survive or reproduce compared with individuals without the trait. Adaptation vs. local adaptation: phenotypic differences among species are adaptations. Phenotypic differences among populations within species are local adaptations. Adaptation can be a noun (trait of adaptation) or a verb (process of adaptation). Methods to test for adaptive function: comparative methods between species or between populations (within species). Selection experiments (if selection is acting on a trait, there is evidence that the trait is an adaption). Comparative method (among species, no phylogenetic correction): the hypothesis is that large testes size in bats is an adaptation from living in a large social group. It was found that there was positive correlation bats that live in larger groups have larger testes for their body size.
