Honors Biology Final Exam review

Adaptive Radiation

The rapid diversification of a single ancestral species into a wide variety of forms adapted to different environments or ecological niches.

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations of a species become geographically isolated, leading to genetic divergence.

Barriers to Mating

Factors that prevent interbreeding between different species.

Behavioral Barriers

Differences in mating behaviors or rituals that prevent interbreeding.

Geographic Isolation

Physical separation of populations that can lead to speciation.

Temporal Isolation

Species mate at different times of the year, preventing cross-breeding.

Mechanical Isolation

Differences in reproductive organs that prevent mating.

Gametic Isolation

Differences in sperm and egg compatibility between species that prevent fertilization.

Cladogram

A diagram used to show relationships among species, based on shared derived characteristics (synapomorphies).

Coevolution

The process where two or more species influence each other's evolution.

Convergent Evolution

When unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Divergent Evolution

When two species with a common ancestor evolve different traits due to different environmental pressures.

Evolution

The process by which populations of organisms change over generations through variations in traits and natural selection.

Extinction

The end of a species or group of species.

Microevolution

Small-scale evolutionary changes within a population.

Macroevolution

Large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over geologic time, resulting in the formation of new species and higher taxonomic groups.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Artificial Selection

The human-driven process of selecting organisms with desired traits for breeding.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, influenced by both its genotype and the environment.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species due to factors like genetic divergence and reproductive isolation.

Taxonomy

The science of naming and classifying organisms.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, specifically the alleles inherited from both parents.

Allele

Different forms of a gene.

Homozygous

An organism that has two identical alleles for a particular trait.

Heterozygous

An organism that has two different alleles for a particular trait.

Carrier

An individual who carries one copy of a recessive allele for a genetic disorder but does not express the disorder.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Independent Assortment

The principle that genes for different traits are inherited independently of one another.

Punctuated Equilibrium

A theory that suggests species remain relatively unchanged for long periods, punctuated by brief periods of rapid evolution.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, especially in small populations.

Gene Flow

The movement of genes between populations due to the migration of individuals.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new genetic variations.

Fossil Record

The collection of preserved remains or traces of organisms from past geological ages.

Homologous Structures

Structures that are similar due to shared ancestry, even if they serve different functions.

Analogous Structures

Traits that have similar functions but arise from different evolutionary paths.

Bottleneck Effect

A reduction in genetic diversity due to a drastic decrease in population size.

Founder Effect

A reduction in genetic variation when a small group of individuals starts a new population.

Locus

The specific physical location of a gene on a chromosome.

Biogeography

Study of the geographic distribution of species and how it provides evidence for evolution.

Mendelian Genetics

The principles of heredity first described by Gregor Mendel.