History of Life and Biological Diversity

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the history of life, biological diversity, and important evolutionary concepts.

Eon

The largest division of geological time, divided into eras.

Era

A major division of geological time, subdivided into periods.

Period

A specific duration in geological time defined by distinct geological or biological events.

Epoch

A subdivision of a period marked by significant changes or events.

Homologous structure

Similar characteristics in different species due to shared ancestry.

Analogous structure

Similar characteristics that arise independently in different species, usually due to similar environmental pressures.

Convergent evolution

The process where organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits.

Biogenesis

The development of life from pre-existing life forms.

Methanogens

Microorganisms that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct in anaerobic conditions.

Halophiles

Organisms that thrive in environments with high salt concentrations.

Thermophiles

Organisms that thrive at relatively high temperatures.

Fungi

A diverse group of organisms that decompose dead material and recycle nutrients.

Protists

Eukaryotic organisms that are not animals, plants, or fungi; they can be unicellular or multicellular.

Echinoderms

A phylum of marine animals that includes sea stars and sea urchins, characterized by radial symmetry and a water vascular system.

Chordates

Animals that possess a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, and are categorized into various groups including vertebrates.

Endosymbiosis

A symbiotic relationship where one organism lives inside another, contributing to the evolution of eukaryotic cells.

Cambrian Explosion

A significant event in the history of life characterized by a rapid diversification of life forms.

Luca

The Last Universal Common Ancestor, considered to be the shared ancestor of all current life on Earth.

Invertebrates

Animals that do not have a backbone; they make up the majority of animal species.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from inorganic materials, like plants.