AP Biology Chapter 24 Vocabulary

Question 1

Speciation

Answer 1

The origins of new species in evolution

Question 2

Microevolution

Answer 2

Evolutionary change below the species level; change in the genetic makeup of a populatoin from generation to generation

Question 3

Macroevolution

Answer 3

Evolutionary change above the species level, including the appearance of major evolutionary developments

Question 4

Species

Answer 4

A group whose members possess similiar anatomical characteristsics and have the ability to interbreed

Question 5

Biological species concept

Answer 5

Species as a population or group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce viable, fertile offspring, but are unable to with members of other population

Question 6

Reproductive isolation

Answer 6

Existence of biological factors that impede members of two species form producing viable, fertile hybrids

Question 7

Prezygotic barrier

Answer 7

Reproductive barrier that impedes mating between species or hinders fertilization of ova if interspecific mating is attempted

Question 8

Postzygotic barrier

Answer 8

Any of several species-isolating mechanisms that prevent hybrids produced by two different species from developing into viable, fertile adults

Question 9

Morphological species concept

Answer 9

Measurable anatomical criteria

Question 10

Paleontological species concept

Answer 10

Morphological differences known only from the fossil record

Question 11

Ecological species concept

Answer 11

Ecological roles (niche)

Question 12

Phylogenetic species concept

Answer 12

Unique genetic history

Question 13

Allopatric speciation

Answer 13

A mode induced when an ancestral population becomes segregated by a geographic barrier or is itself divided into two or more geographically isolated subpopulations

Question 14

Sympatric speciation

Answer 14

A mode of speciation occurring as a result of a radical change in the genome of a subpopulation, reproductively isolating the subpopulation from the parent population

Question 15

Autopolyploid

Answer 15

An individual that has more than two chromosome sets, all derived from a single species

Question 16

Polyploidy

Answer 16

A chromosomal alteration in which the organism possess more than two complete chromosome sets

Question 17

Allopolyploid

Answer 17

A common type of polyploid species resulting from two different species interbreeding and combining their chromosomes

Question 18

Adaptive radiation

Answer 18

The emergence of numerous species from a common ancestor introduced into an environment that presents a diversity of new opportunities and problems

Question 19

Punctuated equilibrium

Answer 19

Long periods of apparent stasis (no change) interrupted by relatively brief periods of sudden change

Question 20

Heterochrony

Answer 20

Evolutionary change in the rate or timing of developmental events

Question 21

Allometric growth

Answer 21

The variation in the relative rates of growth of various parts of the body which helps shape the organism

Question 22

Paedomorphosis

Answer 22

Retention in an adult organism of the juvenile features of its evolutionary ancestors

Question 23

Homeotic genes

Answer 23

Any of the genes that control the overall body plans of animals and plants by controlling developmental fate of groups of cells

Question 24

Species selection

Answer 24

A theory maintaining that species living the longest and generating the greatest number of species determine the direction of major evolutionary trends