Evolutionary Examples - Camouflage, Mimicry & Convergence

These flashcards cover key concepts related to evolutionary examples, camouflage, mimicry, convergence, and historical figures in evolutionary biology.

Camouflage

The adaptation that enables an organism to blend into its environment to avoid detection by predators.

Aggressive mimicry

A form of mimicry where a predator or parasite mimics a harmless model to attract its prey.

Sexual deception

A strategy used by some plants and animals where they mimic characteristics of another species to attract mates or pollinators without offering any rewards.

Bright colors in Nudibranchs

Utilized to advertise toxicity and teach potential predators to avoid them.

Convergent evolution

The independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages, often due to similar environmental pressures.

Homology

Similarity in structure due to shared ancestry, even if the functions are different.

Analogy

Similarity due to independent evolution of similar traits, serving the same function.

Charles Darwin

Naturalist known for proposing the theory of natural selection and the concept of descent with modification.

Robert Fitz Roy

Captain of the HMS Beagle, who facilitated Darwin's voyage and research.

Ernst Haeckel

Biologist known for the phrase 'ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny,' which although outdated, had a significant impact on evolutionary thought.

Themes of evolution

Camouflage and mimicry illustrate the arms race between predators and prey, while convergence reflects evolutionary constraints and homology reveals deep ancestry.