Macroevolution Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for Macroevolution, covering key terms and definitions.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of organisms around the world.

Homologous Structure

Features that are similar in structure but appear in different organisms and have different functions.

Analogous Structure

Structures that perform a similar function, but are not similar in origin. They evolved separately and are not evidence of a common ancestor.

Vestigial Structure

Remnants of organs or structures found in an early ancestor that no longer serve a useful function or may now be found in an early ancestor that no longer serves a useful function or may now serve a different function.

Convergent Evolution

Evolution towards similar characteristics in unrelated species.

Divergent Evolution

When closely related species evolve in different directions.

Coevolution

The process by which two or more species evolve in response to changes in each other.

Extinction

The elimination of a species from the earth.

Speciation

The rise of two or more species from one existing species.

Reproductive Isolation

Occurs when members of different populations can no longer mate successfully.

Behavioral Isolation

Isolation caused by differences in courtship or mating behaviors.

Geographic Isolation

Involves physical barriers that divide a population into two or more groups.

Temporal Isolation

When timing prevents reproduction between populations.

Linnaean System of Classification

A hierarchical classification system for organizing organisms that uses a nested structure, starting with broad groups like kingdoms and progressively narrowing down to species, and also includes a method of naming organisms called binomial nomenclature.

Taxonomy

The science of naming and classifying organisms

Genus

A genus includes one or more physically similar species that are thought to be closely related.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history for a group of species.

Cladogram

A diagram based on patterns of shared, derived traits that shows the evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms.

Molecular Clock

Models that use mutation rates to measure evolutionary time.

Tree of Life

A graphic tool that biologists use to portray evolutionary relationships among plants, animals, and all other forms of life.