Evolution and the Origin of Species

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to evolution, adaptation, and species diversity, based on the lecture notes provided.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells that contain a nucleus and organelles.

Archaea

Single-celled microorganisms that are prokaryotes and are known for their ability to live in extreme environments.

Natural selection

A basic mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Adaptation

A heritable trait that enhances an organism's fitness in its environment.

Convergent evolution

The process where different species independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments.

Divergent evolution

Evolution in which closely related species evolve different traits due to varying environments.

Homologous structures

Anatomical features in different organisms that share a common ancestry, despite differences in function.

Vestigial structures

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the wings of flightless birds.

Fossil record

The collection of fossils that show the history of life on Earth and provide evidence of evolution.

Speciation

The evolutionary process by which new biological species arise.

Prezygotic barriers

Reproductive barriers that prevent mating or fertilization between species before the formation of zygotes.

Postzygotic barriers

Reproductive barriers that occur after fertilization, preventing hybrid offspring from developing into viable adults.

Mass extinction

A widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, resulting in the extinction of many species.

Adaptive radiation

The diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.

Artificial selection

The intentional breeding of organisms by humans for specific traits.

Molecular Biology

The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules essential to life.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.