Biology Adaptation Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is an adaptation?

A temporary change in an organism’s behavior

An inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's ability to survive in a particular environment (correct)

A behavior learned by organisms

A physical structure that does not provide any survival benefit

What does fitness refer to in a biological context?

The ability to survive and reproduce

Natural selection dictates that individuals with certain inherited traits are less likely to survive.

False

What is comparative anatomy?

Anatomical similarities resulting from common ancestry Signup and view all the answers

Define evolution in biology.

The sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms Signup and view all the answers

What are fossils?

The imprints or remains of organisms that lived in the past Signup and view all the answers

What is artificial selection?

Humans have modified other species by selecting and breeding individuals Signup and view all the answers

Who studies fossils?

Paleontologist Signup and view all the answers

What does biogeography study?

The geographic distribution of species Signup and view all the answers

What is homology in biology?

Similarities in characteristics that result from common ancestry Signup and view all the answers

Define homologous structures.

Anatomical similarities in different organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is molecular biology?

Seeing living things on a cellular level Signup and view all the answers

What does an evolution tree represent?

View of the history of an animal's life in tree form Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adaptation

An inherited trait that improves an organism's ability to survive in its environment.

Fitness

Describes an organism's capability to survive and reproduce successfully.

Natural Selection

Process where individuals with advantageous inherited traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to evolutionary changes over time.

Comparative Anatomy

Study of anatomical similarities among species that indicate common ancestry, identified through homologous structures.

Evolution

The series of events that lead to the developmental changes in a species or taxonomic group over time.

Fossils

Remnants or imprints of ancient organisms that provide evidence of past life forms and evolutionary history.

Artificial Selection

A human-induced process where individuals with desired traits are selectively bred to enhance particular characteristics in a species.

Paleontologist

Scientists specialized in studying fossils to understand the history of life and evolution on Earth.

Biogeography

The study of the spatial distribution of species and ecosystems across geographic locations, providing insights into evolutionary processes.

Homology

Refers to characteristics that are similar due to shared ancestry, serving as evidence for evolutionary relationships.

Homologous Structures

Anatomical features in different organisms that stem from a common ancestor, reflecting evolutionary connections.

Molecular Biology

The branch of biology focusing on the molecular basis of biological activity, observing living organisms at the cellular level.

Evolution Tree

A visual representation (tree form) that illustrates the evolutionary relationships and history of species.

Description

Explore the key concepts of adaptation in biology with these flashcards. Learn about inherited traits, fitness, and natural selection, which are fundamental to understanding how organisms evolve and thrive in their environments.