Anatomical and Molecular Homology

Flashcards covering key concepts of anatomical and molecular homology, evolutionary biology, and natural selection.

Tetrapods

Four-legged vertebrates including humans, birds, whales, and bats.

Homology

Similarity in structure or function between organisms due to common ancestry.

Pharyngeal Gill Slits

Structures found in all chordate embryos that indicate evolutionary relationships.

Molecular Homology

Comparison of genetic sequences to determine evolutionary relationships among species.

Convergent Evolution

Evolution of similar traits in unrelated lineages due to similar environmental pressures.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Developmental Homology

Similarities in the development processes of different species that indicate common ancestry.

Selective Pressure

Environmental factors that influence the survival and reproduction of species.

Endothermy

The ability of an organism to maintain a constant body temperature, evolved independently in different animal groups.

Phenotypes

Physical or behavioral traits of an organism influenced by genetic and environmental factors.