Diversity of Life Reading Reflection #3 By: E.O. Wilson Chapter 5: New Species

Microevolution Changes in a populations allele frequency from generation to generation. Modes of change… Mutation – produces new variations of a gene (alleles) Gene flow – movement of genes due to migration of individuals Genetic Drift – change in allele frequency due to chance Heavy contributor to microevolution Natural Selection – alleles that are well adapted to the environment increase reproductive fitness and are passed on at a higher rate Artificial Selection – alleles that are desirable to people increase reproductive fitness and are passed on at a higher rate All examples are modes of change but not necessarily speciation

Macroevolution (vertical evolution) The origin of new kinds (species) of organisms. Large scale evolution Large shifts in morphology usually takes large amounts of time. Ex.. Whale evolution But, can take less time if you narrow the image Ex. Lizard venom evolution “Speciation is a by-product of vertical evolution.” (59) Translation: Any change in an organisms traits that produces reproductive isolation is speciation. (See definition of species)

Reading Reflection Pick one of the organisms that Wilson discussed in the chapter. Relate the organism to the concepts of microevolution and macroevolution. Use specific points from the book.