Unit 11 Vocab

Phylogram

Branch lengths correspond to the amount of genetic change

Chronogram

Branch lengths correspond to time

Trait

Any characteristic an object or species possesses

Morphological Traits

Physical characteristics

Sequence traits

Genetic traits (DNA traits)

Taxa

Major groups of organisms, can be subdivided into additional levels

Binomial Nomenclature

Naming system with Genus first, species second in Latin

Clades

Groups sharing derived characters, unit of evolutionary descent

Derived trait

Unique evolutionary feature for determining relationships

Cladogram

Hierarchy of clades representing species and trait development

Evolution

Modification with descent

Natural Selection

Process leading to evolution of well-adapted organisms

Genetic Variation

Differences in gene composition among individuals

Trait Variation

Differences in physical or behavioral characteristics

Mutation

Change in gene or chromosome

Sexual Reproduction

Cells from two parents unite to form new organism

Asexual Reproduction

Single parent reproduces alone

Fossil

Preserved remains or traces of past organisms

Fossil Record

Information about past life, including structure, diet, environment

Anatomy

Study of body structure

Embryology

Study of embryos and their development

DNA

Molecule containing genetic information

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Allele frequency in gene pool remains constant