Exam 1 review Flashcards
(22 cards)
Ultimate
why does this happen? (evolutionary)
Proximate
how or mechanistic questions
Controlled
independent variable is manipulated, lab setting
Comparative
observing and comparing a phenomena
Linnaeus
classifications, name
Lyell
Uniformitarianism
What does homologous mean?
Share a common ancestor
Homologous structures provide evidence for common descent.
What are paralogous features?
Features that came from a gene duplication event and over time
Paralogous genes can evolve new functions.
Define descent with modification.
Traits are passed from parent to offspring; new species can arise
This concept is central to evolutionary theory.
What type of evidence did Charles Darwin use to support his theory?
Homologous structures, embryos that look similar between species, domestic breed and artificial selection
These evidences illustrate common ancestry.
What is uniformitarianism?
The principle that geological processes occurring today also occurred in the past
This concept supports the understanding of Earth’s history.
What do fossils indicate?
Similar to extant species
Fossils provide insight into the evolutionary history of organisms.
What is a vestigial organ?
An organ that doesn’t have a function
Examples include the tailbone and appendix.
What are pseudogenes?
Non-functional genes
Pseudogenes are remnants of evolutionary history.
What is a poor design example in biology?
Blind spot in the back of our retina, choking on food
These examples illustrate evolutionary compromises.
What are the components of the scientific name Homo sapiens?
Homo (genus), sapiens (species)
This binomial nomenclature helps classify organisms.
What pattern is observed in the distribution of organisms like marsupials?
Isolated in their own locations
Geographic isolation contributes to species diversity.
What does the pattern of descent with modification imply?
All life is related in one tree
This concept underscores the unity of life.
What is gradualism in evolution?
Differences among species occur in small steps and have intermediate forms
Gradualism contrasts with sudden evolutionary changes.
Define populational speciation.
Evolution occurs by changes in the proportion of individuals that differ in characteristics
This emphasizes the role of populations in evolution.
What is the mechanism of natural selection?
Changes among individuals in the populations (NOT SPECIES) are responsible for evolution
Natural selection acts on existing variation within populations.
