Evolution and Taxonomy

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in evolution and taxonomy, including definitions and examples necessary for understanding evolution, speciation, and the classification of organisms.

How does Lamarckism differ from Darwinian evolution?

Lamarckism suggests organisms evolve through the inheritance of acquired traits, whereas Darwinian evolution is based on natural selection.

What are the 5 basic causes of evolution?

Natural selection, mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and nonrandom mating.

What does the Hardy-Weinberg formula measure?

It measures genetic variation in a population and determines whether evolutionary forces are acting on a population.

What is biological fitness?

Biological fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Can somatic cell mutations be passed to offspring?

No, mutations in somatic cells cannot be passed to offspring.

Can germ cell mutations be passed to offspring?

Yes, mutations in germ cells can be passed to offspring.

What is speciation?

Speciation is the process by which new and distinct species evolve.

What is allopatric speciation?

Allopatric speciation occurs when a population is geographically separated, leading to evolutionary divergence.

What is sympatric speciation?

Sympatric speciation occurs when new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographical region.

What is heterozygous advantage?

Heterozygous advantage occurs when individuals with two different alleles for a trait have a survival advantage over those with two identical alleles; an example is sickle cell trait providing resistance to malaria.

Define taxonomy.

Taxonomy is the science of classification of living organisms.

Define phylogeny.

Phylogeny is the evolutionary history and relationship among species.

What are the three domains of life?

The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

What is binomial nomenclature?

Binomial nomenclature is a two-part naming system for organisms, consisting of the genus and species names.

What two levels of classification determine an organism's scientific name?

The genus and species levels determine an organism's scientific name.