A levels Biology Evolution

What is the order of classification? (i.e. class, genus etc. in order)

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

What is the name of the groups of classification (i.e. class, genus etc.)?

Taxonomic groups

What is phylogeny?

The evolutionary relationships between organisms

What is phylogenetics?

The study of the evolutionary relationships between organisms

What does the closeness of the branches of a phylogenetic tree mean?

The closer the branches, the more closely related the organisms are

What is convergent evolution?

Where species from different families or genera evolve similar adaptations to their environment, i.e. bats and birds both evolving wings

What is a homologous structure?

One which appears superficially different in different organisms, but has the same underlying structure

What is divergent evolution?

It describes how organisms have evolved from a common ancestor, each with a different set of adaptations

What are analogous structures?

Parts of two different organisms' anatomy which have different structures but perform the same function

What are selection pressures?

Factors which affect an organism's chances of survival or reproductive success