The process of science
A well-established explanation for observations of the natural world supported by repeated evidence and testing.
This three nucleotide sequence on mRNA codes for an amino acid
codon
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area that are able to interbreed with one another
A population
The age of the earth
4.6 billion years
This approached used in combination with the fossil record to calibrate a phylogenetic tree. When done correctly, branch lengths can represent time passing
molecular clocks
In an experiment growing lentils, a researcher wants to study the effects of agitation by throwing some of the lentils across the room once a week. What type of variable is this?
Independent variable
A mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of nucleotides which alters how the codons are read.
a frameshift mutation
Similarity resulting from common ancestry
Homology
This method looks at the amount of uranium in rocks which has decayed into lead.
radiometric dating
These two taxonomical classifications make up a scientific name
Genus and species
This type of peer-reviewed scientific article summarizes and analyzes multiple research studies rather than presenting new data.
A review article
The DNA sequence which marks the beginning of transcription
TATA Box
In this type of sexual selections females select males based on their features. This leads to males with dramatic colors and ornamental structures.
Mate choice (intersexual selection)
The first cells created when lipids spontaneously formed vesicles filled with liquid which took in a molecule of RNA
protocells
sister taxa
A fake treatment given to a control group to mimic the experience of the experimental groups.
placebo
The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription
RNA polymerase
The three mechanisms that cause evolution of a population
natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow
This theory suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts came from archaea which digested an ancient bacterial cell and developed a symbiotic relationship.
The endosymbiotic theory
This occurs when genetic material from one species is transferred to another through a mechanism other than parent to offspring.
Horizontal gene transfer - bacterial transformation, transduction, and conjugation
A term describing a consistent relationship between two variables. This relationship does not necessarily prove that one variable causes the other.
Correlation
This site within the ribosome holds a tRNA and a growing polypeptide chain
The P-site
In a population of mice, very large mice can use their size to fight off predators, and very small mice can hide easily in tiny burrows. However, medium-sized mice are too big to hide effectively and too small to fight off predators, making them more likely to be eaten. What type of selection will occur?
Disruptive selection
During this period of time, there was a sudden appearance of fossils which look very similar to modern animals.
This is the location where extant species are found on a phylogenetic tree
The tips/leaves