Basics
Define "Evolution".
Change in the genetic composition of a population over successive generations.
Define "Mutation".
A change in the DNA sequence of an organism.
Define "Morphology".
The study of anatomical structures to establish evolutionary relationships.
Define "Genetic Variation".
Differences in DNA among individuals in a population.
Define "Directional Selection".
Favors one extreme phenotype.
Define "Adaptation".
A heritable trait that increases an organism’s fitness in its environment.
Define "Natural Selection".
Process where organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce more successfully.
#1: Define "Homologous Structures".
#2: Define "Analogous Structures".
#3: Define "Vestigial Structures".
#1: Similar structures due to common ancestry.
#2: Similar function, different evolutionary origin.
#3: Reduced, altered function, or nonfunctional remnants of structures in an organism.
Define "Gene Pool".
All genetic information (all genes) in a population.
Define "Stabilizing Selection".
Favors intermediate phenotypes.
Define "Fitness" in the context of evolution/biology.
Ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Define "Descent with Modification".
Changes in heritable information (DNA) that are passed down to offspring & future generations.
Define "Embryology".
Study of embryos to reveal evolutionary relationships.
Define "Gene Flow".
The movement of genetics into or out of a population.
Define "Disruptive Selection".
Favors both extremes over intermediate traits.
Define "Gradualism".
Slow, steady evolutionary change.
#1: Define "Reproductive Isolation".
#2: Geographic Isolation
#3: Temporal Isolation
#1: Factors that prevent organisms of the same species from breeding and can lead to 2+ new distinct species.
#2: A geographic barrier (e.g. river, mountain) prevents members of the same species from breeding.
#3: A time sensitive factor (e.g. breeding season, time of day active/available to mate) prevents members of the same species from breeding.
Define "Biochemistry".
Comparison of proteins and DNA sequences for relatedness.
Define "Allele Frequency".
Proportion of a specific allele among all alleles in a population.
#1: Define "Convergent Evolution".
#2: Define "Divergent Evolution".
#3: Define "Coevolution".
#1: Unrelated species evolve similar traits.
#2: 2+ species descend from a common ancestor.
#3: Two species evolve in response to each other.
Define "Punctuated Equilibrium".
Long periods of stability interrupted by rapid change.
Mathematical model predicting allele frequencies under no evolution.
What are the 3 types of evidence seen in biochemistry? (hint: things of molecules in an organism)
- DNA
- Amino Acids
- Proteins
Define "Genetic Drift".
Random changes in allele frequencies in small populations.
Define "Adaptive Radiation".
Rapid evolution of many species from a common ancestor.
occurs when...
- species enter a new location
- there is minimal competition for the species in the location
- there is an available niche for the species