AP Biology - Evolution and Population Genetics

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary from AP Biology on evolution and population genetics.

Binomial nomenclature

A two-part naming system for species, including the genus and species names.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying and naming living organisms.

Natural selection

A process where individuals with certain inherited traits survive and reproduce more than others due to those traits.

Adaptations

Traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in specific environments.

Homologous structures

Structures in different species that are similar due to common ancestry.

Vestigial organs

Remnants of features that served a function in an organism's ancestors but are now functionless.

Molecular homologies

Similarities in DNA, RNA, or protein sequences of different species indicating a common ancestor.

Convergent evolution

The evolution of similar features in different lineages without a common ancestry.

Point Mutation

A genetic alteration where a single nucleotide base in DNA or RNA is changed, inserted, or deleted.

Genetic drift

Random fluctuations in allele frequencies in a population, often having more significant effects in small populations.

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

A condition describing a population that is not evolving; allele frequencies remain constant unless acted upon by external factors.

Adaptive evolution

The process by which organisms with heritable traits that are better suited to their environment become more common.

Founder effect

A phenomenon where a few individuals become isolated from a larger population, leading to overrepresentation or underrepresentation of certain alleles.

Bottleneck effect

A significant reduction in population size that can lead to certain alleles being overrepresented or underrepresented.

Gene flow

The transfer of alleles into or out of a population due to immigration or emigration.

Relative fitness

The contribution an individual makes to the gene pool of the next generation relative to others.

Heterozygote advantage

When heterozygous individuals have greater fitness compared to both types of homozygotes.