Introduction to Biology and Evolutionary Mechanisms

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering major biological topics including evolutionary processes, taxonomy, domains of life, scientific fields, and biological models based on lecture notes.

Evolution

The change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time.

Genetic Drift

A random event occurring by chance that alters allele and trait frequencies in a population, such as a natural disaster disproportionately reducing one phenotype.

Gene Flow

The introduction of alleles or traits into a population's genetic composition due to the migration of individuals from one population to another.

Mutation

A change in genes caused by known or unknown reasons, such as the genetic change allowing adults to tolerate lactose.

Sexual Selection

A form of selection where individuals choose mates based on specific physical traits, such as female birds choosing bright-feathered males.

Natural Selection

An evolutionary process where environmental pressures or natural factors favor the survival and reproduction of individuals with traits best adapted to their environment.

Artificial Selection

The intentional breeding and selection by humans of desirable heritable traits in plants or animals.

Brassica Plant

A plant species that can give rise to four different vegetables—cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and kale—depending on the specific traits selected by humans.

Vertical Evolution

The pattern of evolution where gene transfer occurs within a specific lineage from ancestors to offspring across successive generations via reproduction.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in the same generation without reproduction, commonly occurring in prokaryotes.

Conjugation

The process in prokaryotes where genetic material, such as a plasmid, is directly transferred from one bacterial cell to another through pore formation.

Taxonomy

The science and process of classifying living organisms to trace evolutionary relationships and categorize life into structural ranks.

Domain Bacteria

A domain of unicellular prokaryotic organisms that lack both membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus.

Domain Archaea

A domain of unicellular prokaryotes lacking a membrane-bound nucleus, possessing unique lipid and protein compositions, and often inhabiting extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents and hot springs.

Domain Eukarya

A domain of life encompassing organisms whose cells contain membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus, including plants, animals, protists, and fungi.

Binomial Nomenclature

The Latin-based two-name scientific system for naming species, consisting of a capitalized genus name followed by a lowercase species name.

Cell Biology

The field of biological science that studies cells as the basic units of life.

Genetics

The branch of biology focused on the study of genes and the genetic material of organisms.

Physiology

The study of the functions and operational processes within living organisms.

Morphology

The biological study of the structural features and forms of organs and organ systems.

Molecular Biology

The field of biology that investigates life at the molecular level, specifically focusing on DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Biochemistry

The study of chemical processes occurring within living organisms.

Structural Model

A scientific model that illustrates the physical structure of components that make up living organisms, such as hemoglobin.

Mechanistic Model

A physiological model that describes the workings and interactions of individual parts within a complex biological system.