Evolution
Change in inherited traits of a population over generations, leading to new species and diversity.
Population
Group of organisms of the same species living in the same area and capable of interbreeding.
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Evolution
Change in inherited traits of a population over generations, leading to new species and diversity.
Population
Group of organisms of the same species living in the same area and capable of interbreeding.
Gene Pool
Total collection of genes and alleles in a population, subject to change over time.
Microevolution
Small changes in gene pool affecting a few genes over a short period.
Macroevolution
Formation of new species through speciation.
Mutations
Changes in genetic material, providing raw material for evolutionary change.
Gene Flow
Movement of alleles in/out of a population due to migration.
Genetic Drift
Random change in allele frequency over time, leading to loss of genetic variation.
Bottleneck Effect
Severe reduction in population size, resulting in loss of genetic diversity.
Founder Effect
Small population colonizes new area, leading to differences in allele frequencies.
Reproductive Isolation
Inability of individuals from same/species to interbreed, leading to speciation.
Prezygotic Barriers
Prevent mating or fertilization before zygote formation.
Postzygotic Barriers
Occur after mating, result in non-viable or infertile offspring.
Biogeography
Study of where organisms live now and where ancestors lived.
Continental Drift
Theory of continents moving over time, influencing biogeography.
Fossil Record
Reveals extinct and evolving species, provides evidence of evolution.
Prokaryotic Cells
Oldest fossils, first organisms to develop on Earth.
Homologous Structures
Similar in structure but different in function; evidence of common ancestry and divergent evolution.
Analogous Structures
Different in structure but similar in function; evidence of convergent evolution.
Vestigial Structures
Non-functional remnants from ancestors, such as the human appendix or snake limbs.
Comparative Biochemistry
Study of common biochemical pathways among different organisms.
Comparative Embryology
Study of similarities in embryonic development among different species.
Molecular Biology
Comparing amino acid sequences among organisms to determine relatedness.
Divergent Evolution
Population isolation leads to new species; examples include homologous structures.
Convergent Evolution
Unrelated species adapt similarly; examples include analogous structures.
Parallel Evolution
Related species adapt similarly after divergence.
Coevolution
Mutual evolutionary adaptations between closely associated species; examples include pollinator-plant relationships and predator-prey dynamics.
Adaptive Radiation
Numerous species emerge from a common ancestor; examples include Darwin's Finches.
Lamarck's Theory (Use and Disuse)
Traits change based on individual usage; experiment by Weisman disproved this theory.
Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Describes allele frequency constancy in stable populations.
Characteristics of a Stable Population
Large size, isolation, random mating, absence of selection, no mutations.
Darwin's Theory (Natural Selection)
Traits aiding survival and reproduction become more common; survival of the fittest.
Directional Selection
Extreme traits favored.
Stabilizing Selection
Intermediate traits favored.
Disruptive Selection
Extremes favored, intermediates disadvantaged.
Phyletic Gradualism
Evolution occurs gradually over long periods from a common ancestor; disproved.
Punctuated Equilibrium
Long periods of stability with short bursts of rapid change; accepted.
Spontaneous Generation
Living organisms emerge from non-living matter; disproved by Redi and Pasteur.
Francesco Redi's Experiment (1668)
Disproved spontaneous generation of maggots on decaying meat using covered and uncovered jars.
Louis Pasteur's Experiment (1864)
Sterilized broth in swan-necked flask to disprove spontaneous generation of microorganisms.
Origins of Life
Likely began in ancient environment with lack of oxygen but abundant methane, ammonia, and water vapor.
Miller-Urey Experiment
Showed organic molecules for life could form from inorganic components under early Earth conditions.
Theory of Endosymbiosis
Some organelles in eukaryotic cells were once prokaryotic microbes; supported by DNA and ribosomes.
Cladogram
Shows relationships based on common ancestor without evolutionary time.
Phylogenetic Tree
Depicts relationships based on characteristics, genetic background, and evolutionary time.