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Macroevolution
Evolutionary changes above the species level.
Fossil Record
Evidence of macroevolution over large time scales.
Abiotic Synthesis
Formation of organic molecules without biological influence.
Macromolecules
Large molecules formed from smaller organic compounds.
Protocells
Droplets with membranes maintaining distinct internal chemistry.
Self-replicating Molecules
Molecules capable of duplicating themselves independently.
Early Earth Conditions
High water vapor, volcanic gases, low oxygen atmosphere.
Earth's Formation
Earth formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago.
Volcanic Eruptions
Released compounds like nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
Oparin and Haldane
Scientists proposing early Earth organic compound synthesis theory.
Haldane's Hypothesis
Early atmosphere was a reducing environment.
Miller-Urey Experiment
Demonstrated abiotic synthesis of organic molecules.
Reducing Conditions
Conditions near volcanoes may have formed organic compounds.
Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents
Hot water and minerals create organic compounds.
Murchison Meteorite
Contains amino acids and other organic molecules.
Abiotic RNA Synthesis
All four RNA monomers can form spontaneously.
Protocells
Fluid-filled vesicles with membrane-like structures.
Montmorillonite
Mineral clay that enhances vesicle formation.
Vesicle Properties
Exhibit growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
Self-Replicating RNA
First genetic material likely was RNA, not DNA.
Ribozymes
RNA molecules that catalyze biochemical reactions.
Natural Selection in RNA
Faster replicating RNA shapes dominate.
DNA Assembly Template
RNA could template DNA nucleotide assembly.
Fossil Record
Documents history of life through sedimentary layers.
Sedimentary Rock
Most fossils are found in these rock types.
Mineralized Fossils
Form when minerals replace organic matter.
Trace Fossils
Preserve evidence of organism activities.
Amber Fossils
Organisms preserved in tree resin.
Frozen Fossils
Rarely preserve larger organisms in ice.
Fossil Bias
Favors long-lived, abundant, hard-bodied species.
Relative Dating
Infers sequence of fossil formation.
Radiometric Dating
Determines fossil age using radioactive isotopes.
Carbon-14 Dating
Estimates age based on carbon isotope ratios.
Isotope Decay
Parent isotopes decay to daughter isotopes.
Geologic Record
Divides Earth's history into four eons.
Tetrapods
Group of animals with four limbs.
Synapsids
Tetrapods from which mammals evolved.
Therapsids
Synapsids with specialized teeth and large dentary bones.
Cynodonts
Early therapsids with complex teeth and jaw structure.
Mammalian Teeth
Specialized for function: incisors, canines, molars.
Geologic Time Scale
Relates major life events to Earth's history.
Stromatolites
Layered rocks formed by prokaryotic activity.
Oxygen Revolution
O2 accumulation transformed Earth's atmosphere.
Endosymbiosis
Eukaryotes originated from engulfed prokaryotes.
Serial Endosymbiosis
Mitochondria evolved before plastids.
Evidence for Endosymbiosis
Mitochondria share similarities with bacteria.
Multicellularity Origin
Eukaryotic cells led to multicellular life.
Ediacaran Biota
Oldest multicellular fossils from 600 million years ago.
Cambrian Explosion
Rapid appearance of animal phyla in fossils.
