Questions and Answers
What is a common ancestor?
What is convergent evolution?
Process by which unrelated organisms independently evolve similarities when adapting to similar environments.
What defines divergent evolution?
When two or more species sharing a common ancestor become more different over time.
What does phenetic taxonomy focus on?
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What characterizes classical taxonomy?
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What are phylogenies?
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What is cladistics?
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What is phylogeny?
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Study Notes
Classification Concepts
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Common Ancestor: A significant biological concept referring to a shared ancestor from which various species evolve over time, indicating a common lineage.
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Convergent Evolution: This phenomenon occurs when unrelated organisms develop similar traits due to adapting to comparable environments, showcasing how environmental pressures can shape evolutionary paths.
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Divergent Evolution: Refers to the process where two or more species that have a common ancestor develop distinct characteristics over time, highlighting the diversification of species.
Taxonomy Approaches
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Phenetic Taxonomy: A method of classification that emphasizes the overall morphological similarity of organisms, focusing on easily measurable traits without considering evolutionary relationships.
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Classical Taxonomy: Developed through observations by specialists, this approach uses specific variations to define the boundaries of species, relying on extensive field and laboratory work.
Evolutionary Relationships
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Phylogenies: Important diagrams that illustrate the evolutionary relationships and connections between ancestor organisms and their descendants, providing insights into the evolution of species over time.
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Cladistics: A systematic approach to phylogenetic classification, where organisms are grouped based solely on shared derived characteristics and ancestry, emphasizing evolutionary relationships.
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Phylogeny: The broader term that encapsulates the evolutionary history of a species or related groups, essential for understanding the lineage and evolutionary changes over time.
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Description
Explore key concepts in evolution with these flashcards. Test your understanding of terms like common ancestor, convergent evolution, and divergent evolution. Ideal for students studying evolutionary biology.