Evolution Study Guide Characteristics

First Cells Characteristics

Prokaryotic, heterotrophic, anaerobic

Endosymbiotic Theory

Formation of eukaryotic cells; evidence: chloroplast and mitochondria have own DNA and double membrane

Lamarckian Evolution

Use/disuse and acquired characteristics inherited

Acquired Traits Inheritance

Learned traits without a genetic basis passed to offspring

Natural Selection Concepts

Overproduction, competition, variation, survival of the fittest

Descent with Modification

Offspring genetic makeup differs from parents due to crossing over, mutation, and independent assortment

Common Descent Principle

Organisms sharing ancestry based on common genetic elements like DNA

Fitness in Evolution

Phenotype survival in an environment, passing favorable alleles to offspring

Population Growth Phases

Lag, exponential, stationary phases based on carrying capacity

Evolutionary Pressures on Phenotypes

Phenotypes adapt to environment, influencing genotype changes

New Alleles Source

Mutations, immigration, crossing over introduce new traits

Natural Selection Effects

Directional, stabilizing, disruptive selection impact allele frequencies

Gene Pool Definition

Total alleles in a population

Evolutionary Relationships Support

Sedimentary rock, fossils, comparative anatomy, biochemistry, embryology

Homologous vs. Analogous Structures

Homologous share ancestry, analogous serve similar function

Adaptive Radiation

Diversification from common ancestor into multiple species

Species Definition

Organisms interbreeding and producing viable offspring

Reproductive Isolation

Groups no longer interbreed naturally

Isolation Types

Geographical, temporal, behavioral isolation examples

Genetic Drift

Random allele frequency changes in small populations

Gradualism vs. Punctuated Equilibrium

Gradualism: slow changes; Punctuated: rapid spurts

Domain Classification

Bacteria, Archaebacteria, Eukarya; bacteria divided due to cell wall similarities

Six Kingdoms

Eubacteria, Archaebacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia

KPCOFGS Hierarchy

Species most specific, kingdoms most diverse

Species Definition

Ability to breed and produce viable offspring