Evolution and Classification Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is evolution?
The change in allele frequencies in a population over time
Evolution is driven by mechanisms such as gene flow, genetic drift, founder effect, population bottleneck, mutation, and natural selection.
What are the mechanisms that change allele frequencies in a population?
- Gene Flow
- Genetic Drift
- Founder Effect
- Population Bottleneck
- Mutation
- Natural Selection
These mechanisms contribute to the evolutionary process by altering genetic diversity.
Who is Jean Baptiste Lamarck and what did he believe?
He believed in the Theory of Use or Disuse and Acquired Characteristics
Lamarck’s ideas were later disproven, as they did not account for genetic inheritance.
What is an adaptation?
A trait that increases an organism’s fitness in its environment
Adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.
Where did Charles Darwin study his famous finches?
The Galápagos Islands
His observations led to key concepts in evolutionary theory, including Descent with Modification and Natural Selection.
What are the two main points of Darwin’s theory?
- Descent with Modification
- Natural Selection
Descent with Modification refers to changes in species over generations, while Natural Selection is the process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common.
What are fossils?
Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms
Fossils provide evidence of past life and help reconstruct evolutionary history.
What is the fossil record?
The chronological collection of life’s remains in sedimentary rock layers
It serves as evidence for the history of life on Earth.
What are homologous structures?
Anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry
Examples include the forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats.
What are analogous structures?
Structures in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry
Examples include the wings of birds and insects.
What are vestigial structures?
Reduced or obsolete features that were functional in ancestral species
Examples include the human appendix and the pelvic bones in whales.
What are examples of biochemical evidence of evolution?
Similarities in genes and proteins
These similarities suggest evolutionary relatedness among different organisms.
Define species.
A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
The biological species concept emphasizes reproductive isolation.
What is the correct order of biological classification?
- Domain
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
The most specific level is Species.
What is binomial nomenclature?
A two-part naming system for species
Developed by Carl Linnaeus, it uses Latin and consists of the Genus and species names.
Who developed binomial nomenclature?
Carl Linnaeus
He established this system to standardize species naming.
In what language is binomial nomenclature written?
Latin
Latin is used to provide a universal naming system for scientists.
What is the correct way to write out the Genus and species?
Genus capitalized and species in lowercase, both italicized
For example, Homo sapiens.
