Anatomy and Evolution Test Topics

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Explain how the development of a four-chambered heart was an adaptation that allowed animals to thrive in terrestrial environments. What challenges did they overcome?

A four-chambered heart separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, allowing for more efficient oxygen delivery to tissues. This supports the higher metabolic demands of terrestrial life and overcomes challenges of gravity and temperature regulation.

Compare and contrast a cladogram and a dichotomous key as tools for classifying organisms. How is each used and what type of information does each provide?

A cladogram shows evolutionary relationships based on shared derived characters, displaying a hypothesis of phylogeny. A dichotomous key uses a series of paired choices based on observable traits to identify organisms. Cladograms show ancestry while dichotomous keys are for identification.

Describe how mutation and recombination contribute to genetic variation within a population. How does this variation play a crucial role in the process of natural selection and adaptation?

Mutation introduces new alleles into the population, while recombination shuffles existing alleles into new combinations during sexual reproduction. This genetic variation provides the raw material upon which natural selection acts, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments.

Explain the difference between natural selection and artificial selection. Give an example of each and discuss the implications of artificial selection on biodiversity.

<p>Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a natural setting. Artificial selection is driven by human preferences, selectively breeding organisms to enhance desired traits. Artificial selection can lead to reduced genetic diversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how geographic isolation can lead to speciation. Include in your answer key terms such as: 'gene flow', 'reproductive isolation', and 'genetic divergence'.

<p>Geographic isolation prevents gene flow between populations. Over time, the isolated populations experience genetic divergence due to different selective pressures and genetic drift. This eventually leads to reproductive isolation, resulting in the formation of new species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Posterior

Toward the back (think tail)

Open vs. Closed Circulatory System

Blood enclosed in vessels vs. blood in sinuses

Purpose of the Nervous System

Regulates and coordinates body activities through electrical and chemical signals

Purpose of Sexual Reproduction

Increases genetic variation and adaptability

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phylogeny

Diagram showing evolutionary relationships

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Anatomy/Evolution Test Topics

Anatomical Directions

Dorsal: toward the back
Ventral: toward the belly or front
Anterior: toward the head
Posterior: toward the tail

Circulatory Systems

Open Circulatory System: blood is not always contained within vessels
Closed Circulatory System: blood is contained within vessels

Thermoregulation

Cold blooded: body temperature regulated by environment
Warm blooded: body temperature regulated internally

Symmetry

Bilateral Symmetry: body plan with two matching halves
Body Systems: the nervous system functions to relay information

Reproduction

Sexual reproduction in the animal kingdom serves to create genetic diversity

Organ Functions

Esophagus: carries food to the stomach
Intestines: absorbs nutrients from food
Brain: controls bodily functions
Heart (3-chambered vs. 4-chambered): pumps blood through the body
Internal vs. Exoskeleton: provides support for the body
Testes: produces sperm
Ovaries: produces eggs
Nerve vs. Spinal Cord: transmits signals throughout the body
Kidney: filters waste from the blood
Lungs: facilitates gas exchange

Biological Classification

Taxonomy: science of classifying organisms
Phylogeny: evolutionary history of a species
Classification Tools: Cladogram/Dichotomous Keys

Adaptations

Physical Adaptations: structural features that aid survival
Behavioral Adaptations: actions that aid survival

Evolutionary Mechanisms

Natural Selection and Evolution: process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce
Natural vs. Artificial Selection: the difference is based on human intervention
Species and Speciation: formation of new species

Biodiversity

Isolation leading to Speciation leads to Biodiversity: geographically isolated populations evolve independently

Genetics

Genetic Change: achieved through recombination and mutation
Homologous Structure: common ancestry

Vestigial Traits

Vestigial Trait: remnants of evolution

Population Dynamics

Overproduction, Competition, and Variation: key elements in natural selection

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Key anatomical and evolutionary concepts covered. This includes anatomical directions, circulatory systems (open vs. closed), thermoregulation (cold vs. warm blooded), and body symmetry. Also covered are reproduction and organ functions.