Biology and Evolution: Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture notes on biology, science, evolution, and related topics.

Biology

Scientific study of living organisms and how they evolved.

Science

Knowledge derived from observation and experimentation carried out to determine the principles underlying what is being studied.

Hypothesis

A suggested explanation that accounts for the observations; testable.

Experiment

Test of a hypothesis.

Variable

An influencing factor that can be changed in an experiment.

Control

An experiment where the variable in question is left unaltered.

Theory

A proposed explanation for natural phenomena; in science, a well-tested, widely accepted explanation.

Evolution

Operation of natural laws that produce change over time in living organisms.

Natural selection

Differential reproduction under natural conditions; differential contribution of genotypes to the gene pool.

Malthus

Thomas Malthus; wrote about population growth and resources, influencing Darwin and Wallace.

Darwin

English naturalist who proposed natural selection and wrote The Origin of Species.

Alfred Wallace

Naturalist who independently conceived a theory of natural selection; Darwin and Wallace jointly presented their findings.

Origin of Species

Darwin's 1859 book outlining natural selection as the mechanism of evolution.

Principles of Geology

Lyell's book arguing Earth is old and shaped by gradual processes.

HMS Beagle

The voyage during which Darwin collected evidence for evolution; Darwin was the ship's naturalist.

Descent of Man

Darwin's book applying natural selection to human evolution.

Fossils

Records of ancient life; earliest fossils ~3.5 billion years; transitional forms show evolution.

Age of the Earth

Earth is about 4.5 billion years old.

Genetics/Heredity

Study of how traits are inherited via genes (DNA/RNA).

Observations

Phenomena noted to prompt hypotheses; data collected through senses or instruments.

Inductive reasoning

Using specific observations to construct general scientific principles.

Deductive reasoning

Using general principles to predict specific results.

Biological organization

Hierarchy from atoms to ecosystems: atoms → molecules → organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organisms → populations → species → communities → ecosystems.

Regulation

Internal mechanisms that coordinate organism functions.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of constant internal conditions despite environmental changes.

Evolutionary adaptation

Organisms are subject to evolutionary forces; adaptations that improve survival and reproduction.

Homologous structures

Structures with a common evolutionary origin but different functions (e.g., limb bones in humans, cats, whales).

Analogous structures

Structures with similar function but different evolutionary origins.

Molecular Biology

DNA sequencing and other molecular data used to study evolutionary relationships.

Developmental Biology

Study of embryonic development that yields clues about evolutionary history.

Survival of the fittest

Only the best adapted survive and reproduce; differential reproduction leads to genetic change.

Transitional forms

Fossils showing intermediate stages in evolution.