unit 7 set 6

Flashcards about evolutionary relationships, phylogenies, and genetic transfer.

Phylogenetic trees and cladograms

Show evolutionary relationships among lineages, interpreting relationships based on shared characters, DNA evidence, and common ancestry.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of a species or a group of related species.

Taxonomy

Ordered division of organisms into categories based on similarities and differences.

Binomial nomenclature

A two-part naming system developed by Carolus Linnaeus, consisting of the genus and species.

Outgroup

The least closely related taxon in a phylogenetic tree; often used for comparison.

Plasmids

Smaller, circular, self-replicating pieces of DNA in prokaryotic cells, often used to carry genes.

Promote genetic diversity

Rapid reproduction, mutation, and genetic recombination.

Genetic recombination

The combining of DNA from two different sources.

Transformation

A process in which a prokaryote takes up DNA from its environment.

Transduction

A process by which a bacteriophage (virus) transfers genes between prokaryotic cells.

Conjugation

When genes are transferred directly from one prokaryote to another via a mating bridge.

Horizontal gene transfer

Genes transferred from one genome to another through transposable elements, plasmids, viral infections, or fusion of organisms.

Clade (Monophyletic Group)

A group of species that includes an ancestral species and all its descendants.

Molecular clocks

Tools used to measure the absolute time of evolutionary change based on the rate at which some genes and regions of genomes evolve.

Homologous structures

Similarities resulting from shared ancestry.

Convergent evolution

When two organisms develop similarities as they adapt to similar environmental challenges, not due to common ancestry.

Molecular systematics

Uses DNA and other molecular data to determine evolutionary relationships.

Shared derived characters

Evolutionary novelties unique to a particular clade.

Shared ancestral characteristic

Originated in an ancestor of the taxon.