Biologists Refer to Changes in a Population's Genetic Distribution That

question 41

Multiple Choice

Biologists refer to changes in a population's genetic distribution that result purely through random chance as:

• A) natural selection.
• B) genetic drift.
• C) genetic evolution.
• D) none of the above; such changes do not occur.

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Definitions:

Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

Species richness is greatest in communities in which disturbances are moderate in their magnitude and frequency.

Pioneer Species

Pioneer species are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, starting a chain of ecological succession that leads to increased biodiversity.

Exotic Species

Species that are introduced to a new area where they do not naturally occur, often leading to ecological disruptions.

Indicator Species

Organisms used as a sign or measure of the environmental conditions or changes in an ecosystem because of their sensitivity to such conditions.