Key Concepts in Macroevolution and Speciation

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and definitions related to macroevolution, speciation, and taxonomy.

Species

Groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups.

Cladogenesis

The process where a single species diverges into two or more species.

Anagenesis

The process where an entire species changes into a recognizably different species over time.

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations are separated by geographical barriers.

Sympatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations become reproductively isolated in the same geographical area.

Intrinsic Reproductive Isolation

Reproductive isolation that occurs through internal factors, even when species are in the same location.

Ecological Isolation

When species cannot mate because they live in the same area but occupy different habitats.

Temporal Isolation

Reproductive isolation due to different breeding times, either seasonally or daily.

Behavioral Isolation

Reproductive isolation due to differences in mating behaviors or rituals.

Mechanical Isolation

Reproductive isolation that occurs when species are not physically compatible for mating.

Gametic Isolation

Reproductive isolation that occurs when egg and sperm of different species cannot unite.

Hybrid Inviability

When hybrid offspring do not survive to reproductive maturity.

Niche

The role or function of an organism in its environment.

Generalist Species

Species that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and utilize a variety of resources.

Specialist Species

Species that are adapted to specific environmental conditions and resources.

Taxonomy

The science of classification that organizes living things into categories.

Systematics

A method of organizing species based on their evolutionary relationships.

Binomial Nomenclature

The two-part naming system for species developed by Carolus Linnaeus.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various species.