Taxonomy and Scala Naturae Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does Scala Naturae refer to?

The study of fossils

A classification system for species

A principle of geologic change

A scale of increasing complexity of life-forms (correct)

Who invented the system of Binomial Nomenclature?

Carolous Linnaeus

What is Taxonomy?

The scientific study of how living things are classified

What is binomial nomenclature?

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

Who largely developed paleontology?

Georges Cuvier Signup and view all the answers

What principle did Georges Cuvier advocate?

Catastrophism Signup and view all the answers

What principle did Charles Lyell introduce?

Uniformitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of Uniformitarianism?

The idea that geologic processes have not changed throughout Earth's history. Signup and view all the answers

Who proposed that organisms could acquire traits through use or disuse of organs?

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck Signup and view all the answers

What is natural selection?

A natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does adaptation refer to?

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce. Signup and view all the answers

What does comparative study of fossil records support?

The theory of evolution Signup and view all the answers

Molecular homologies refer to shared characteristics on the molecular level.

True Signup and view all the answers

Charles Darwin formulated a theory of evolution by __________.

natural selection Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Homology = Similarity resulting from common ancestry Endemic species = Species that are native to and found only within a limited area Gene flow = Movement of alleles from one population to another Biogeography = Study of the distribution of organisms around the world Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes mass extinction?

Extinction of several species in a short time Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1 Signup and view all the answers

What does genetic drift refer to?

A change in the allele frequency of a population as a result of chance events rather than natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of isolation with their descriptions:

Habitat isolation = Two species rarely encounter each other because they occupy different habitats Behavioral isolation = Isolation caused by differences in courtship behaviors Temporal isolation = Species reproduce at different times and cannot interbreed Mechanical isolation = Morphological differences prevent successful mating Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the molecular clock?

It estimates phylogeny and the rate of evolutionary change using DNA comparisons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scala Naturae and Classification

Scala Naturae refers to the hierarchical arrangement of life-forms based on increasing complexity.
Carolus Linnaeus developed the Binomial Nomenclature, a system for naming organisms using both genus and species names.
Taxonomy is the scientific study of classifying living organisms.
Binomial nomenclature constitutes the two-word naming convention for organisms.

Evolution and Fossils

Georges Cuvier advanced the field of paleontology and introduced the concept of catastrophism, suggesting that sudden events shape the Earth's geological features.
In contrast, Charles Lyell proposed uniformitarianism, asserting that current geological processes have shaped Earth over a long time, negating biblical disaster theories.
Charles Darwin, as an English naturalist, posited the theory of evolution by natural selection, revolutionizing biology.

Mechanisms of Evolution

Natural selection drives evolution, favoring organisms with traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
Adaptation refers to traits that improve an organism’s chances of surviving in its environment.
The study of paleontology focuses on understanding ancient life through fossils.

Homology and Evolutionary Patterns

Homology indicates structural similarities traced to common ancestry, exemplified by homologous structures in different species.
Embryonic homologies reveal commonalities in development that may not be visible in adult organisms.
Vestigial structures are remnants that have lost their original function over time.
Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, resulting in analogous structures.

Biogeographical Evidence

Biogeography studies how species are distributed worldwide.
Continental drift hypothesizes that continents were once connected and have since moved apart.
Endemic species are unique to their specific locations.

Genetic Exchange and Population Dynamics

Crossing over during meiosis allows for genetic variation, while independent assortment ensures different combinations of genes.
Fertilization is the fusion of male and female gametes, leading to offspring.
Population genetics analyzes genetic composition over time, influenced by phenomena like genetic drift and gene flow.
Sexual selection is a form of natural selection focusing on mating success based on inherited traits.

Evolutionary Concepts and Speciation

The biological species concept defines species based on the potential to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Reproductive isolation mechanisms, such as prezygotic and postzygotic barriers, prevent species from interbreeding.
Sympatric speciation involves species diverging within the same geographical area.
Autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy refer to changes in chromosome number within or across species.

Patterns of Evolution

Gradualism suggests evolutionary changes occur steadily over time, while punctuated equilibrium describes rapid changes interspersed with long periods of stability.

Origin of Life and Early Evolution

Protocells are theoretical precursors to cells with membrane structures.
Oparin and Haldane proposed early Earth’s atmosphere contained key gases for life development.
Miller and Urey simulated early Earth conditions, producing organic compounds akin to amino acids.
Self-replicating RNA is believed to have preceded DNA as genetic material.

Fossil Records and Dating Techniques

Fossil records provide insight into the history of life, indicating a progression from simple to complex organisms.
Relative dating compares fossil ages, while radiometric dating utilizes radioactive decay to determine absolute ages.

Organism Classification and Evolutionary Relationships

Prokaryotes are organisms lacking a nucleus, encompassing two major groups: Archaea and Bacteria.
Multicellular eukaryotes emerged approximately 1.5 billion years ago.
Mass extinction events significantly reduced biodiversity in short periods.
Adaptive radiations follow such events, enabling new species to exploit various ecological niches.

Evolutionary Development and Molecular Studies

Heterochrony refers to changes in developmental timing affecting growth and morphology.
Homeotic genes are critical in determining the structure and layout of body parts in organisms.
Molecular systematics employs DNA studies to infer evolutionary relationships.

Phylogenetic Tools

A phylogenetic tree illustrates evolutionary histories among species.
Cladograms depict relationships based on shared derived traits, informing the study of clades—groups that include an ancestor and all descendants.
Molecular clocks estimate evolutionary rates through genetic comparisons.
The three domains of life are categorized as Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of taxonomy and the Scala Naturae with these flashcards. Learn about the classification of life-forms and the contributions of scientists like Carolous Linnaeus. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of biological classification.