Study Guide for Lab Exam 2 Biology 105A Fall 2025

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts from Lab Exam 2 of Biology 105A, focused on evolution, species classification, and ecological interactions.

Geologic Time

The time scale used by geologists and paleontologists to describe the timing and relationships of events in Earth's history.

Fossils

Remnants or impressions of ancient organisms preserved in sedimentary rock.

Sedimentary Rock Layers

Strata of rock formed by the accumulation of sediments, with older layers located beneath younger layers.

Anatomical Evidence

Physical structures compared in the study of evolution to determine relationships between species.

Electrophoresis

A laboratory technique used to separate proteins based on their size and charge.

Evolutionary Tree

A diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various biological species.

Species

A group of organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring.

Dichotomous Key

A tool used to identify organisms based on a series of choices between two descriptive statements.

Coevolution

The process in which two or more species influence each other's evolution.

Predation

An interaction between species where one species, the predator, feeds on another species, the prey.

Camouflage

A survival strategy where an organism blends in with its surroundings to avoid detection by predators.

Warning Coloration

Bright colors used by some species to warn predators of their toxicity or unpalatability.

Mimicry

A strategy where one species evolves to resemble another species to gain an advantage.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world, including the variety of species, ecosystems, and genetic variation.

Extinction

The permanent loss of a species from Earth.

Extirpation

The local extinction of a species from a specific habitat.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including food, clean water, and climate regulation.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely and can cause harm to ecosystems.

Graph Interpretation

Analyzing data representations to draw conclusions about trends and relationships.

Laboratory Goals

Objectives outlined for lab sessions to enhance understanding of the subject matter.

Classification Scheme

The hierarchical system used to classify and categorize living organisms.

Observation Skills

The ability to carefully observe details in scientific studies and experiments.

Physical Structures

The tangible attributes of organisms that can be compared for evolutionary analysis.

Genetic Information

The hereditary material that encodes the traits and characteristics of an organism.

Comparative Anatomy

The study of similarities and differences in physical structures of different species.

Phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities.

Species Interaction

The way in which two or more species interact in an ecosystem.

Microbial Diversity

The variety of microscopic organisms present in an environment.

Environmental Impact

The effect of human activities on the natural world.

Laboratory Techniques

Methods and procedures used in scientific experiments.

Species Recognition

The process of identifying a species based on specific characteristics.

Evolutionary Adaptations

Changes in species over time that enhance their survival and reproduction.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Ecological Relationships

The interactions between organisms and their environment.

Population Dynamics

The study of how populations change over time and space.

Conservation Biology

The scientific study of the preservation of biodiversity.

Field Studies

Research conducted in natural settings outside of laboratory environments.

Habitats

The natural environments in which organisms live.

Species Identification

The process of determining the identity of a species.

Taxonomy

The science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.

Experimental Design

The plan for how to conduct a scientific experiment to ensure valid results.

Ecosystem Function

The intrinsic processes of ecosystems, including energy flow and nutrient cycling.

Field Observations

Noting and recording phenomena occurring in a natural setting during research.

Data Collection

The systematic gathering of information for analysis.

Analytical Skills

The ability to evaluate data and make interpretations.

Bar Graphs

A chart that represents data with rectangular bars, used for comparison.