Evolution and Classification Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of evolution?

A sudden change in a species

The extinction of species

A gradual change in a population over a long period of time (correct)

A type of natural disaster

What is natural selection?

A process in which individuals that have certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than others.

What is adaptation?

A changing to fit new conditions

What does fitness refer to in an evolutionary context?

Ability to survive and reproduce Signup and view all the answers

What is a fossil?

A preserved remnant or impression of an organism that lived in the past. Signup and view all the answers

What does superposition mean in geology?

The idea that younger rocks are found at the top of rock layers and older rocks are found at the bottom. Signup and view all the answers

What are homologous structures?

Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry. Signup and view all the answers

What are analogous structures?

Similarities among unrelated species that result from convergent evolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a vestigial structure?

A remnant of a structure that may have had an important function in a species' ancestors. Signup and view all the answers

What is phylogeny?

(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 is convergent evolution?

The process by which unrelated organisms independently evolve similarities when adapting to similar environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is divergent evolution?

When two or more species sharing a common ancestor become more different over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is coevolution?

Process by which two species evolve in response to changes in each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is speciation?

Formation of new species. Signup and view all the answers

What does morphology refer to?

Branch of biology dealing with the form and structure of animals and plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is biodiversity?

The amount of biological or living diversity per unit area. Signup and view all the answers

What is binomial nomenclature?

A system for giving each organism a two-word scientific name that consists of the genus name followed by the species name. Signup and view all the answers

What is systematics?

A scientific discipline focused on classifying organisms and determining their evolutionary relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What does phylogenetics determine?

Relationship and common ancestry. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cladogram?

A diagram that is based on patterns of shared, derived traits and that shows the evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are shared characteristics?

Both eukaryotes and prokaryotes have DNA, a cell membrane, and both are considered to be alive. Signup and view all the answers

What are derived characteristics?

Characteristics present in only one or a few species of a group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a clade?

A group of species that includes an ancestral species and all its descendants. Signup and view all the answers

What is variation in the context of natural selection?

Heritable differences that exist in every population. Signup and view all the answers

What is overproduction related to in natural selection?

Competition between offspring for resources. Signup and view all the answers

What does descent with modification mean?

Natural selection will result in species with adaptations that are well suited for survival and reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

What is survival of the fittest?

The process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the father of evolution?

Charles Darwin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of evolution primarily attributed to?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How do vestigial structures show evidence of evolution?

Vestigial structures are parts of an animal's body that currently serve no purpose. In the species' evolutionary past, they served a function, but now are only relics. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Evolution and Classification

Evolution: Gradual change in populations over long periods, driving diversity in life forms.
Natural Selection: Process where individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more effectively, leading to evolutionary changes.
Adaptation: Adjustments in organisms that enhance their survival in changing environments.
Fitness: A measure of an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment.

Fossils and Geology

Fossils: Preserved remnants or impressions of extinct organisms, crucial for understanding evolutionary history.
Superposition: Principle stating that in undisturbed rock layers, younger rocks are found above older ones, aiding in dating geological events.

Comparative Anatomy

Homologous Structures: Similar anatomical features in different species, evidencing common ancestry (e.g., forelimbs of mammals).
Analogous Structures: Similar traits in unrelated species due to convergent evolution, showing adaptation to similar environments (e.g., wings of bats and butterflies).
Vestigial Structures: Body parts that have lost their original function over time, like the human tailbone, reflecting evolutionary history.

Evolutionary Processes

Phylogeny: The historical development and evolution of a species or group, often illustrated in diagrams.
Convergent Evolution: Independent evolution of similar traits in different lineages facing similar selective pressures.
Divergent Evolution: Process where two or more species with a common ancestor evolve distinct traits over time.
Coevolution: Reciprocal evolutionary changes in two interacting species.

Speciation and Biodiversity

Speciation: The process through which new species arise.
Morphology: Study of the form and structure of organisms, providing insights into evolutionary relationships.
Biodiversity: Variety of life forms within a specific area, encompassing species, habitat, and genetic diversity.

Classification Systems

Binomial Nomenclature: A two-part naming system for organisms comprising the genus and species names.
Systematics: The scientific discipline that focuses on classifying organisms based on evolutionary relationships.
Phylogenetics: Analysis that determines relationships and common ancestry among species.
Cladogram: A diagram illustrating evolutionary relationships based on shared derived characteristics amongst organisms.

Evolutionary Principles

Shared Characteristics: Common features (e.g., DNA, cell membrane) among all living organisms, indicating shared ancestry.
Derived Characteristics: Traits unique to one or a few species, useful for distinguishing evolutionary lineages.
Clade: A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all its descendants, representing a branch on the evolutionary tree.
Variation: Genetic differences within a population that create the potential for natural selection.
Overproduction: The phenomenon where species produce more offspring than can survive, leading to competition for resources.
Descent with Modification: Concept that species evolve adaptations suitable for their environment over generations.
Survival of the Fittest: Individuals best adapted to their environment have higher reproductive success, shaping natural selection.

Influential Figures

Charles Darwin: Recognized as the father of evolution, his theories on natural selection and common descent fundamentally changed biological science.

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Description

Explore key concepts of evolution and classification through interactive flashcards. This study guide includes terminology like natural selection, adaptation, and fitness to help you master the topic. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of evolutionary biology.