Water + History of Life

Flashcards covering key concepts related to water and the history of life.

Covalent bonds

Bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms, particularly between hydrogen and oxygen in water.

Polar bond

A type of covalent bond where one end of the molecule is slightly positive and the other end is slightly negative, as seen in water.

Hydrogen bonds

Weak attractions between the hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another water molecule.

Cohesion

The property of water molecules to stick to each other, allowing water to travel upward through plant xylem.

Surface tension

The cohesive nature of water molecules at the air-water interface, allowing some objects to float or move on the surface.

Specific heat

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance; water has a high specific heat, allowing it to moderate temperatures.

Heat of evaporation

The energy required to change water from a liquid to a gas, which results in cooling effects.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute; water is known as the universal solvent because of its ability to dissolve many substances.

Extraterrestrial water search

The scientific pursuit of finding water on other planets as a sign of potential life.

Abiotic synthesis

The formation of organic molecules from inorganic materials, theorized to be a step in the origin of life.

Protocells

Early cell-like structures that may have formed from organic molecules, providing a framework for the development of life.

Endosymbiosis

A theory explaining how eukaryotic cells may have evolved from symbiotic relationships between prokaryotic cells.

Mass extinction

An event in which a large number of species become extinct in a relatively short period of time due to environmental changes.

Adaptive radiation

The rapid evolution of many diverse species from a common ancestor, often following a mass extinction.

Phylogenetic tree

A branching diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences.

Systematics

The scientific study of the kinds and diversity of organisms and their relationships.

Homology

Similarity in characteristics resulting from a shared ancestry; used in classifying organisms.

Analogous traits

Similar features in organisms that evolved independently (convergent evolution), not due to shared ancestry.

Ecological interactions

The relationships and roles organisms have in their environments, including symbiosis and competition.

Metagenomics

The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples.