Biology: Speciation, Phylogeny, and Evolution

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to speciation, phylogeny, and evolution as discussed in the lecture notes.

Fossil Record

The historical remnants of organisms that provide insights into past life and extinction events.

Cambrian Explosion

A period of rapid diversification of life forms that occurred around 541 million years ago.

Adaptive Radiation

The rapid evolution of multiple species from a common ancestor to exploit different environments or resources.

Symbiosis

A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as prokaryotic cells engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Alternation of Generations

A reproductive cycle where organisms switch between haploid and diploid stages.

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient absorption.

Echinoderms

A phylum of marine animals known for their radial symmetry and water vascular system.

Deuterostomes

A group of animals in which the anus develops from the first opening in the embryo.

Chordata

A phylum that comprises animals with a notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, and other characteristics.

Tetrapod Limb

Limbs that evolved from fish fins, allowing vertebrates to adapt to land environments.