Biology Evolution Concepts Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a common ancestor?

An unrelated organism

The evolutionary history of a species

The shared ancestor of new, different species that arose from one population (correct)

A taxonomic classification system

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?

Measurable features and overall similarity of organisms evaluated without regard to phylogeny. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes classical taxonomy?

Variations observed by highly skilled specialists to define species boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What are phylogenies?

Evolutionary connections between ancestor organisms and their descendants. Signup and view all the answers

What is cladistics?

A phylogenetic classification system that uses shared derived characters and ancestry as the sole criterion for grouping taxa. Signup and view all the answers

What is phylogeny?

The evolutionary history of a species or group of related species. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification Concepts

Common Ancestor: A significant biological concept referring to a shared ancestor from which various species evolve over time, indicating a common lineage.
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.
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

Phenetic Taxonomy: A method of classification that emphasizes the overall morphological similarity of organisms, focusing on easily measurable traits without considering evolutionary relationships.
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

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.
Cladistics: A systematic approach to phylogenetic classification, where organisms are grouped based solely on shared derived characteristics and ancestry, emphasizing evolutionary relationships.
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.

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.