Topic 3: Evidence for Evolution

define “biological change”

any change in the traits/characteristics of a living organism/population over time 

what does the term “isolated” mean when talking about evolution 

Two species that cannot reproduce together OR swap genes

Define incipient species

population that are partially diverged, but not fully separate

• justt.. about separated but not fully

• almost there species

Define species

Groups of interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other groups

Define paleontology

The study of fossils and prehistoric life

Define fossils

preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms — like bones, shells, footprints, or imprints — usually found in rocks.

Who was the first to document the extinction of animals 

Georges Cuvier 

What does the term “exant” mean

Animals that are still alive today (aka haven’t gone extinct)

what does the term “homology” mean

Homology → Similar structures in different species, that come from a common ancestor (even if they have different functions) 

• Eg. Human arm, cat leg, whale flipper, bat wing → All have the same bone patterns (humerus, radius, ulna)

T/F mRNA that is reverse-transcribed always become pseudogene.

Explain

T

Lack introns and promoters = nonfunctional

• becomes a pseudogene

How are pseudogenes proof of evolution

he older the pseudogenes the more taxa (species) they are found in, which is what we would predict if evolution occurred