Biological Taxonomy and Evolution

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from biological taxonomy and evolution, ideal for exam preparation.

Biological taxonomic hierarchy

The classification system consisting of Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Binomial nomenclature

A two-part naming system for species composed of the genus name followed by the species name.

Biological Species Concept

Defines species as groups of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Morphological/Phenetic Species Concept

Species defined by physical similarities, useful for asexual organisms and fossils.

Phylogenetic Species Concept

Species that share a common ancestor and form a branch on the tree of life.

Genetic Cluster Species Concept

Defines species based on genetic similarity, requiring genetic sequencing.

Reproductive isolation

Biological barriers that prevent members of two species from producing viable offspring.

Prezygotic barriers

Factors that prevent mating or fertilization between species before zygote formation.

Postzygotic barriers

Factors that affect hybrid offspring's viability or fertility after zygote formation.

Allopatric speciation

Speciation that occurs due to geographic isolation of populations.

Sympatric speciation

Speciation that occurs without geographic isolation.

Adaptive radiation

Rapid evolution of diverse species from a common ancestor into various ecological niches.

Phylogeny

A hypothesis about the evolutionary history and relationships among species.

Monophyletic group

An ancestor and all its descendants, representing a true clade.

Analogous traits

Similar traits due to independent evolution, not common ancestry (e.g., bat vs. butterfly wings).

Homologous traits

Similar traits due to shared ancestry (e.g., human arm and bat wing).

Parsimony in phylogenetics

The principle that the simplest explanation is preferred, favoring fewer evolutionary changes.

Three domains of life

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, in contrast to prokaryotic cells.

Mass Extinctions

Events that cause widespread and rapid decreases in biodiversity, allowing for diversification of surviving species.

Prokaryotes

Organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, primarily reproducing by binary fission.

Endosymbiosis

The theory that eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells through symbiotic relationships.

True multicellularity

Cells that are adherent and communicate, forming interdependent structures.

Bryophytes

Non-vascular land plants like mosses, which require moist environments.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds within fruits.

Echinoderms

Marine animals with radial symmetry (e.g., starfish) and are deuterostomes.

Chordates

Animals with a notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, and pharyngeal slits at some stage in development.

Key evolutions in vertebrates

Developments such as jaws, lungs, and the amniotic egg that allowed vertebrates to adapt to land.