Evolution

1. Why is a comparison of the structure of human eyes and octopus eyes such an excellent example of how evolution functions, why it doesn't always produce the "best" possible structure, and why intelligent design isn't supported by "real world" observations? 2. The finches on the Galapagos Islands - commonly, if incorrectly, referred to as Darwin's finches - are a prime example of adaptive radiation. Briefly explain why this is so?

Dobzhansky's experiments and Natural selection

1. Briefly explain what is meant by the terms directional selection, stabilizing selection, and disruptive selection. Give an example of each. 2. Dobzhansky's laboratory experiments studying mating behavior evolution in the fruit fly Drosophila subobscura provided a striking example of how natural selection operates. Describe the methods and the results of Dobzhansky's experiments.

Evolution

1. Natural selection is not only known mechanism which drives evolution. Other mechanisms include genetic drift, sexual selection, artificial selection, group selection (inclusive fitness) and the neutral theory. Briefly explain how each of these "alternate" evolutionary mechanisms functions. 2. A variety of mechanisms have been proposed to describe how speciation can occur. The two most important mechanisms are undoubtedly allopatric and sumpatric speciation. How do these two processes work to produce new species?

Evolution

1. Define: macroevolution, coevolution, convergent evolution and mosaic evolution. 2. Mary spends considerable time in What Evolution is discussing adaptation and adaptiveness. Why is adaptation so important to evolution?

Evolution

1. What role have the numerous mass extinctions played in the evolutionary history of life of earth? 2. Among Mary's many contributions to evolution and evolutionary theory is the biological species concept - probably the most widely accepted "definition" of a species that we currently possess. What is the biological species concept and why does it answer a question that Darwin himself asked, "Why do living organisms always assort themselves into species?