Final exam pre-AP biology study flashcards

Fossils

Shows change over time in organisms by studying paleontology.

Homologous structures

Features that are similar in structure but different in function among different species.

Analogous structures

Structures with similar functions but not similar origins among different species.

Vestigial structures

Body parts or organs that lack any useful function today but had a function for an ancestor, such as the human appendix.

Biogeography

The study of the geographical distribution of a species.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Fitness

A measure of the ability to survive and produce more offspring relative to other members of the population.

Abiotic factors

All non-living things in an ecosystem, including soil, water, atmosphere, temperature, and sunlight.

Biotic factors

All living things in an ecosystem.

Symbiotic Relationships

Interactions between species living in close physical proximity, which can be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit and depend on each other.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other is unaffected.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship where a parasite lives on a host and harms it without killing it right away.

Predation

A relationship where a predator kills and eats its prey.

Competition

A relationship where individuals of the same or different species compete for the same limited resources, harming both parties.

Bryophytes

The first photosynthetic plants on earth, non-vascular, reproduce by spores, example includes mosses.

Pteridophytes

Vascular plants that reproduce by spores, examples include ferns and horsetails.

Gymnosperms

Ancient surviving seed plants with seeds found in cones, examples include pine and junipers.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that reproduce using flowers and fruits, examples include beans and roses.

Cephalization

Having a head at the anterior of the body, usually associated with sense organs.

Zygote

Begins as a fertilized egg and is the first stage of animal development.

Blastula

A hollow ball of special cells formed during early development after the zygote stage.

Protostome

Animals where the mouth forms first during development.

Deuterostome

Animals where the anus forms first during development.