Lines of Evidence for Evolution Flashcards
evolution
the change in a species over time; the process of biological change by which descendants come to differ from their ancestors
homologous structure
a body part that is similar in structure on different organisms but performs different functions
analogous structure
a body part that is similar in function as a body part of another organism but is structurally different
vestigial structure
remnants of an organ or structure that functioned in an earlier ancestor
cladogram
a diagram based on patterns of shared traits or inherited characteristics
derived characters
a derived character is one that evolved in the lineage leading up to a clade and that sets members of that clade apart from other individuals
taxonomic classification
is the scientific classification of biological organisms based on shared characteristics.
expression
the process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product that ultimately affects a characteristic of an organism.
phenotype
the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
genotype
A genotype is an individual’s collection of genes. The term also can refer to the two alleles inherited for a particular gene.
allele
one of two or more versions of a gene. An individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent.
DNA
organic chemical of complex molecular structure that is found in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses
mutation
the changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations
fossil
a trace of an organism from the distant past preserved in rock
clade
a group of organisms believed to have evolved from a common ancestor,
index fossil
a fossil that is useful for dating and correlating the strata in which it found
Hox genes
genes that play a key role in controlling the body plan of a developing organism
