Final Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the science of identifying, naming, and classifying organisms based on shared traits?
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is a systematic approach to classify living organisms.
What is a taxon?
A group of organisms at any level of classification (e.g., species, genus, family)
Taxa are the categories used in the classification of organisms.
Define evolution in a biological context.
A change in allele frequencies in a population over time
Evolution explains how species adapt and change.
What is a population in ecological terms?
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area
Populations are the basic units of biological organization.
Who is known as the Father of Taxonomy?
Carolus Linnaeus
Linnaeus developed the modern system of naming organisms.
What is Binomial Nomenclature?
A two-part scientific naming system for organisms, such as Homo sapiens
It standardizes the naming of species.
What does the Biological Species Concept define?
Species as groups that are reproductively isolated and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
This concept is primarily applicable to sexually reproducing organisms.
What is the scientific name format for organisms?
Genus is capitalized, species is lowercase, and the entire name is italicized or underlined
Example: Homo sapiens.
List the hierarchical classification scheme from broad to specific.
Domain > Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species
This system organizes biological diversity.
What is the domain of humans?
Eukarya
Eukarya includes all organisms with complex cells.
What are extremophiles?
Organisms that live in extreme conditions (heat, salt, pressure)
They are often found in the domain Archaea.
What contributes to bacteria evolving faster?
Short generation times and higher mutation rates
These factors allow rapid adaptation to changes.
Define evolutionary fitness.
Ability to survive and reproduce relative to others
It is context-dependent based on the environment.
What are Darwin’s key observations regarding natural selection?
Organisms vary in traits, traits are heritable, and more offspring are produced than the environment can support
These observations laid the groundwork for the theory of evolution.
What does the phrase ‘Survival of the fittest’ refer to?
Natural selection
It describes how advantageous traits lead to better survival and reproduction.
Why is genetic diversity necessary for evolution?
Without variation, natural selection can’t ‘choose’ favorable traits
Genetic diversity is crucial for adaptation.
What does it mean to adapt in an evolutionary context?
Traits become more common because they provide an advantage in a particular environment
Adaptation is a key mechanism of evolution.
How does the environment select traits?
Environmental conditions ‘favor’ traits that help survival and reproduction
This process leads to the evolution of species.
What is natural selection?
a mechanism that causes evolution
4 - Quiz
Gene flow is
inbreeding within populations
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