Unit 9 honors bio

Adaptive Radiation

The rapid diversification of a single ancestral species into a wide variety of forms adapted to different environments or ecological niches (stuff radiating into other species).

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations of a species become geographically isolated, leading to genetic divergence.

Barriers to Mating

prevents different species from interbreeding and producing viable offspring.

Behavioral Barriers

Differences in mating behaviors or rituals that prevent interbreeding.

Geographic Isolation

Physical separation of populations that can lead to speciation.

Temporal Barriers

Species mate at different times of the year, preventing cross-breeding.

Mechanical Barriers

Differences in reproductive organs that prevent mating.

Gametic Barriers

Differences in the compatibility of sperm and egg cells between species.

Cladogram

A diagram used to show relationships among species, based on shared derived characteristics.

Coevolution

The process where two or more species influence each other's evolution.

Convergent Evolution

When unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Divergent Evolution

When two species with a common ancestor evolve different traits due to different environmental pressures.

Evolution

The process by which populations of organisms change over generations through variations in traits and natural selection.

Extinction

The end of a species or group of species.

Fossil Record

The collection of preserved remains or traces of organisms from past geological ages.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, especially in small populations.

Genomics/DNA

The study of genomes, the complete set of DNA within an organism.

Gradual Adaptation

Slow and steady changes in a species over time due to natural selection.

Hybridization

The process of interbreeding between two different species, often producing hybrid offspring.

Macroevolution

Large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over geologic time.

Mass Extinction

A widespread and rapid extinction of many species in a relatively short period of time.

Microevolution

Small-scale evolutionary changes within a population.

Migration/Gene Flow

The movement of genes between populations due to the migration of individuals.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new genetic variations.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Artificial Selection

The human-driven process of selecting organisms with desired traits for breeding.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, influenced by both its genotype and the environment.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between species based on shared common ancestry.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history and relationship of a species or group of species.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area and capable of interbreeding.

Punctuated Equilibrium

A theory that suggests species remain relatively unchanged for long periods, punctuated by brief periods of rapid evolution.

Reproductive Isolation

Barriers that isolate different species from interbreeding and producing viable offspring.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species due to factors like genetic divergence and reproductive isolation.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Sympatric Species

Species that live in the same geographic area but avoid interbreeding due to other forms of reproductive isolation.

Taxonomy

The science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.

Temporal Isolation

Species that reproduce at different times, preventing interbreeding.

Three Major Sources of Changes in Allele Frequency

Mutations, Gene Flow, Genetic Drift.