Studied by 37 people
Evolution
The gradual and cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of a population over many generations.
Fossil Records
Preserved remains of organisms from the past that show the gradual changes in species over time.
Selective Breeding
The process of humans selectively breeding plants and animals to enhance specific genetic traits.
Homologous Structures
Common internal structures that appear in seemingly dissimilar animals due to shared ancestry.
Vestigial Structures
Remnants of structures that no longer serve a purpose in modern organisms.
Comparative DNA Analysis
Comparing the DNA of different species to identify genetic similarities and differences.
Observable Change
The observation of species adapting to their environment or exhibiting changes over time.
Gradual Divergence
Genetic variation within populations leading to speciation when two populations become geographically separated.
Natural Selection
The process by which individuals with better adaptations are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Variation
Genetic variation among individuals within a species is necessary for natural selection to occur.
Adaptations
Characteristics that enhance an individual's suitability to its environment and way of life.
Overproduction
Species tend to produce more offspring than their environment can support.
Survival of the Fittest
Individuals with better adaptations are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Reproduction
Passing on characteristics to offspring through reproduction.
Occurrences of Natural Selection
Natural selection operates when there is genetic variation within a species.
Genetic Variation
Variation arises from mutations, meiosis, and sexual reproduction.
Struggle for Survival
Competition for limited resources leads to the survival of individuals with advantageous traits.
Antibiotic Resistance
Genetic changes in bacteria can lead to resistance against antibiotics.
Beak Changes in Finches
The shape of finch beaks changes in response to environmental food availability, illustrating natural selection.
Binomial Nomenclature
The system of naming species with a unique scientific name consisting of genus and species.
Taxonomy
The hierarchical classification system used to categorize organisms into different taxa.
Identification of Species
Organizing species into similar groups based on shared characteristics.
Dichotomous Key
A tool used to identify organisms based on observable characteristics.
Plantae Classification
Classification of plants into different groups based on characteristics like vascular tissue and reproductive methods.
Animalia Classification
Classification of animals into different groups based on characteristics like symmetry and presence of mouth and anus.
Cladograms
Tree diagrams illustrating the evolutionary relationships among species.
Clades
Groups of organisms that share a common ancestor.
Time Correlation
Genetic differences accumulate over time, allowing estimation of divergence times.
Analogous Structures
Superficially similar structures in different groups due to similar functions and habitats.
Homologous Structures
Similar structures in different organisms resulting from common ancestry.
Reclassification
Cladistics has prompted reclassification of species or groups based on molecular evidence.
Note 
Flashcard (24)