Phylogeny and Systematics Flashcards

Flashcards about Phylogeny and Systematics

Systematics

Science of biological diversity that uses taxonomy to reflect phylogeny (evolutionary history).

Taxonomy

Ordered division of organisms into categories based on characteristics used to assess similarities and differences; used to identify, name, and classify organisms.

Binomial Nomenclature

Two-part format for species names instituted by Linnaeus, where the first part is the genus and the second is the specific epithet.

Genus

The first part of a species name in binomial nomenclature (plural: genera).

Specific Epithet

The second part of a species name, e.g., vera in Aloe vera.

Taxon

The named taxonomic unit at any level in the hierarchical classification system.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of a species or group of species.

Phylogenetic Tree

Branching diagram used to depict hypotheses about evolutionary relationships, reflecting the hierarchical classification of groups within inclusive groups.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows the patterns of shared characteristics among species.

Clade

A group of species that includes an ancestral species and all of its descendants.

Cladistics

The study of recumbences among clades.

Monophyletic Clade

Includes an ancestral species and all of its descendants.

Paraphyletic Clade

Contains some, but not all, descendants of a common ancestor due to lack of information.

Polyphyletic Clade

Includes species from different evolutionary branches that lack a common ancestor.

Maximum Parsimony

The principle that the simplest explanation consistent with the data is the best; for morphological trees, it means the fewest evolutionary changes.

Maximum Likelihood

A principle that uses rules of DNA change over time to determine the most likely evolutionary sequence.

Molecular Clocks

Measure evolutionary time using genetic changes based on genome regions that evolve at constant rates.

Orthologous Genes

Homologous genes found in different species due to speciation.

Paralogous Genes

Homologous genes found within a single species due to gene duplication.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genes between genomes via mechanisms like transposable elements, leading to new hybrid species.

a) The science of naming organisms
b) The study of fossils
c) The science of biological diversity that uses taxonomy to reflect phylogeny
d) The study of cell structures

Which of the following best describes systematics?

a) To study evolutionary relationships
b) To identify, name, and classify organisms
c) To analyze genetic mutations
d) To observe animal behavior

What is the purpose of taxonomy?

a) The species' family
b) The first part of a species name
c) The species' origin
d) The second part of a species name

In binomial nomenclature, what does the 'genus' refer to?

a) To map geographical distributions of species
b) To depict hypotheses about evolutionary relationships
c) To analyze climate change effects
d) To study population dynamics

What is a phylogenetic tree used for?

a) A group of species with similar physical traits
b) A group of species that includes an ancestral species and all of its descendants
c) A group of species living in the same habitat
d) A group of species that can interbreed

Which of the following defines a clade?

a) The most complex explanation is usually correct
b) The simplest explanation consistent with the data is the best
c) Evolutionary changes always occur rapidly
d) Genetic mutations are always beneficial

What does 'maximum parsimony' imply?

a) The speed of continental drift
b) Evolutionary time using genetic changes
c) The rate of radioactive decay
d) The complexity of protein structures

What do molecular clocks measure?

a) Genes responsible for physical size
b) Homologous genes found in different species due to speciation
c) Genes that control aging
d) Non-coding regions of DNA

What are orthologous genes?

a) Gene transfer from parent to offspring
b) Gene transfer between different species
c) The transfer of genes between genomes via mechanisms like transposable elements
d) The process of genetic mutation

What is horizontal gene transfer?

a) A group of species with a single common ancestor, but not all of its descendants
b) A group of species with multiple ancestors
c) A group of species that includes an ancestral species and all of its descendants
d) A group of species from different evolutionary branches

What is a monophyletic clade?