Spring Biology study guide cont.****

biomes

Large ecological areas on Earth's surface, categorized by climate, geography, and the types of organisms that live there.

adaptations

Heritable traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Punctuated Equilibrium

Evolutionary development characterized by isolated episodes of rapid speciation followed by long periods of stasis.

stasis

A condition where evolutionary lineages remain relatively unchanged over extended timescales.

Gradualism

Evolutionary change that occurs slowly and gradually over long periods.

fossils

Preserved remains of organisms from the past, providing critical evidence of evolution.

indicators of Gradualism

Evidence of numerous slight changes in species over extended periods or minor environmental changes.

indicators of Punctuated Equilibrium

Evidence of few significant changes in a shorter timeframe or substantial environmental shifts.

speciation

The formation of new species when gene pools become isolated and evolve to the point they can no longer interbreed.

coevolution

The influence of two or more species on each other's evolutionary paths due to close ecological interactions.

antibiotic resistance

Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics due to environmental pressures from overuse or misuse of antibiotics.

pesticide resistance

Pests evolve resistance to insecticides, especially when they are misused or overused.

drug-resistant viruses

Viruses evolve to evade antiviral treatments, leading to resistant strains.

convergent evolution

Organisms from different evolutionary backgrounds develop similar traits due to adaptations to similar environments.

divergent evolution

Species from a common ancestor evolve different traits in response to varying environmental conditions.

adaptive radiation

A rapid diversification of a species from a common ancestor to fill new ecological niches.

importance of classification

Classification systems organize biodiversity and help scientists understand evolutionary relationships.

cladograms

Diagrams that represent evolutionary relationships, showing common ancestors and evolutionary time.

homologous structures

Structures that are similar in different species due to common ancestry.

vestigial structures

Organs or structures that have lost their original function through the course of evolution.

survival of the fittest

The concept that individuals best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

physiological adaptation

Rapid changes in physical traits in response to environmental challenges, seen in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

homologies

Likeness in structure between parts of different organisms, showing evidence of common ancestry.

artificial selection

The intentional breeding of organisms to produce desired traits.

mimicry

A form of adaptation where an organism resembles another species for protection.

gene pool

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

speciation process

Occurs when populations become isolated and evolve into distinct species.

Old World monkeys

Species of monkeys found primarily in Africa and Asia.

Darwin’s theory

Emphasizes natural selection as a driving force behind evolution.

Lamarck’s theory

Proposed that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.

embryonic similarity

Similarities in early stages of development among different species, indicating common ancestry.

adaptations examples

Features like the long tongue of a honey possum that help organisms exploit their environments.

DNA fingerprinting

A technique used to identify individuals by analyzing their unique DNA patterns.

recombinant DNA

DNA formed by combining genetic material from different sources.

gene therapy

A technique that modifies genes to treat or prevent diseases.

stem cell therapy

Uses stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues or organs.

cloning

The process of creating genetically identical copies of biological entities.

GMOs

Genetically modified organisms used to enhance agricultural production.

biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Genetic drift

the change in frequency of an existing gene variant in the population due to random chance