Phylogenies and Taxonomy

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on phylogenies, taxonomy, and the classification of living organisms.

Phylogeny

A hypothesis of evolutionary relationships and the history of life of organisms, both past and present.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying and naming organisms into hierarchical groups.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and organelles, found in organisms of the domain Eukarya.

Analogous Traits

Traits that are similar in function but evolved independently in different lineages.

Homologous Traits

Traits that are similar due to shared ancestry.

Clade

A group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants.

Speciation Event

An event that causes a population to split into two or more distinct species.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.

Divergent Evolution

The process by which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time.

Convergent Evolution

The process where unrelated organisms develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Mnemonic Device

A tool used to help remember information, such as 'Does King Philip Come Over For Great Soup?'

Domain (in taxonomy)

The highest taxonomic rank, which groups organisms into three major categories: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

Common Ancestor

An ancestral species from which two or more species have evolved.

Fossils

Physical remains or traces of organisms from the past that provide evidence of evolution.

Embryology

The study of the development of embryos in order to understand evolutionary relationships.

Parsimony (in phylogenetics)

The principle of choosing the simplest explanation that accounts for all observed phenomena in constructing phylogenies.

Amniotic Egg

An egg that has a protective membrane development allowing embryos to survive on land.