Introduction to Evolution and Ancestry

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to evolution, ancestry, and molecular biology concepts discussed in the lecture.

Polymerization

The process of linking monomers together to form polymers, crucial for generating diversity in life.

Homology

The similarity in structure and function of organs between different species due to shared ancestry.

Analogy

Structural similarity arising from convergent evolution, where different species evolve similar traits independently.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram that depicts the evolutionary relationships among species, indicating common ancestors.

Molecular Clock

A method for estimating the time of evolutionary divergences based on DNA sequence similarities.

Luca

The last universal common ancestor from which all currently living organisms descended.

Hydrophobic Effect

The tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in aqueous solutions to minimize their exposure to water.

Microbial Life

Life forms consisting of single-celled organisms, which are fundamental to the evolutionary history of life.

Deoxyribose

A sugar component of DNA, which supports the storage of genetic information.

Ribose

A sugar component of RNA, facilitating the transfer of genetic information from DNA to proteins.