Core Terminology 4: Evolution Flashcards

1
Q

Biological evolution

A

genetic changes in a population that are inherited over successive generations due to natural selection and ultimately resulting in the formation of a new species.

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2
Q

Hypothesis

A

statement based upon observation, proposed solution to a problem or explanation based on evidence and observations

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3
Q

Theory

A

explanation for something that has been observed in nature and can be supported with facts, laws and tested hypotheses.

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4
Q

Population

A

a group of organisms of the same species that live in a defined area at the same time and can interbreed.

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5
Q

Species

A

a group of individuals that share common characteristics, able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

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6
Q

Variation

A

differences between organisms of the same species.

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7
Q

Continuous variation

A

a range of different phenotypes for the same characteristic, forms a continuous spectrum , may be controlled by more than one gene Eg. Height, weight, milk yield in cows (represented by histogram or line graph)

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8
Q

Discontinuous variation

A

there is no range of different phenotypes. The characteristic is either present or absent Eg. Blood groups ? only a single pair of genes (represented by bar graph)

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9
Q

Paleontology

A

study of fossils

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10
Q

Fossil

A

remains of prehistoric life

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11
Q

Anthropology

A

study of cultures

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12
Q

Homologous structures

A

structures with the same anatomy and origin but different functions, common ancestor

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13
Q

Speciation

A

formation of new species from existing species as a result of geographic isolation

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14
Q

Biogeography

A

study of the distribution of existing and extinct organisms in specific geographical regions.

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15
Q

Natural selection

A

phenomenon whereby organisms that are best adapted to the environment will survive and pass on their genes to the next generation.

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16
Q

Artificial selection

A

the deliberate breeding of plants and animals for desired characteristics that would not necessarily benefit the survival of the descendants

17
Q

Extinction

A

elimination of a species from the Earth.

18
Q

Punctuated equilibrium

A

evolution characterized by long periods of stasis (where there is very little change) followed by short/rapid periods of quick change

19
Q

Reproductive isolation

A

a set of mechanisms that stops two or more populations from exchanging genes.

20
Q

Stereoscopic vision

A

the type of vision shared by apes and humans that allows for depth perception (3D)

21
Q

Phylogenetic diagram

A

a diagrammatic representation showing possible evolutionary relationships among different species.

22
Q

Bipedalism

A

walking on two legs

23
Q

quadruped

A

walking on all fours

24
Q

Dentition

A

arrangement of teeth in the jaws

25
Q

Foramen magnum

A

opening in skull through which spinal cord passes

26
Q

Hominidae

A

Family to which all primates belong (apes and humans)

27
Q

Opposable thumb

A

a thumb that is opposable to rest of fingers

28
Q

Prognathous

A

protrusion of jaw without a chin

29
Q

Out of Africa Hypothesis

A

the hypothesis which supports the migration of human ancestors from the point of origin.