The History of Life on Earth

Flashcards covering key concepts in the history of life on Earth, including macroevolution, abiogenesis, the fossil record, and eukaryotic evolution.

Macroevolution

The broad pattern of evolution above the species level.

Fossil Record

Shows macroevolutionary changes over large time scales, including the emergence of terrestrial vertebrates and key adaptations.

Abiotic Synthesis

The process by which organic molecules are formed in a non-biological environment, demonstrated by Stanley Miller and Harold Urey.

Protocells

Fluid-filled vesicles with a membrane-like structure that may have formed early life.

Ribozymes

RNA molecules that can act as enzymes and are believed to be the first self-replicating genetic material.

Stromatolites

Layered rocks formed by prokaryotes; earliest evidence of life on Earth.

Endosymbiosis

The theory that eukaryotic cells originated from engulfed prokaryotic cells.

Adaptive Radiation

A rapid period of evolutionary change where many new species arise, often following mass extinctions.

Hox Genes

A class of regulatory genes that control the development of anatomical structures in organisms.

Cambrian Explosion

A period around 542 million years ago when many animal phyla appeared suddenly in the fossil record.