Evolutionary Patterns and Adaptive Radiation

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts of evolutionary patterns including homology, homoplasy, developmental laws, and the mechanisms of adaptive radiation as discussed in the lecture.

Homologous characters

Characters inherited and sometimes modified from an equivalent organ in the common ancestor, sharing similar genetic and developmental structures.

Homoplasy

The development of superficially similar features through different developmental pathways in different lineages.

Convergent evolution

A type of homoplasy where different lineages evolve similar features via different pathways, such as the eyes of vertebrates and cephalopods.

Batesian mimicry

A form of convergence where a harmless species evolves a resemblance to a dangerous species to gain protection.

Müllerian mimicry

A form of convergence where two or more dangerous species evolve similar characteristics.

Evolutionary reversals

The evolution of a derived trait back to a state more similar to the ancestral trait.

Mosaic evolution

The principle that whole suites of traits do not usually evolve in concert, but rather at different rates within a lineage.

Saltatory changes

Large jumps in evolutionary change, as opposed to gradual, incremental transitions.

Ontogeny

The process of an organism's development from fertilization to adulthood.

von Baer’s Law

The principle stating that features of a more inclusive taxon often appear in ontogeny before the more specific features of a species.

Allometry

Differential growth rates of different parts or dimensions of an organism during its development.

Adaptive radiation

The diversification of a taxon into many ecological roles, usually in a short amount of time, often following the exploitation of a new resource.

Plesiomorphic traits

Ancestral traits that are part of a species' mosaic evolution.

Synapomorphic traits

Derived traits that are shared by a group and are part of a species' mosaic evolution.