Bio Vocab Quiz

cell theory

all organisms are made of cells

all existing cells are produced by other living cells

the cell is the basic unit of life

cytoplasm

jellylike substance that contains dissolved molecular building blocks-such as proteins and nucleic acids, minerals and ions.

organelles

structures specialized to preform distinct processes within a cell

prokaryotic cells

do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Instead the cells DNA is suspended in the cytoplasm. Most prokaryotes are microscopic, single celled.

Eukaryotic cells

have a nucleus and other membrane bound organelles. The nucleus, the largest organelle, encloses the genetic information. Eukaryotes may be multicellular or single celled organisms.

reproductive isolation

occurs when members of different populations can no longer mate successfully.

speciation

the rise of two or more species from one existing species

behavioral isolation

isolations caused by diffrencesin courtship or mating behaviors.

geographic isolation

involves physical barriers that divide a population into two or more groups.

temporal isolation

exists when timing prevents reproduction between populations.

convergent evolution

evolution toward similar characteristics in unrelated species.

divergent evolution

when closely related species evolve in different directions they become different

coevolution

the process in which two or more species evolve in response to changes in each other

extinction

the elimination of a species from earth

punctuated equilibrium

episodes of speciation occur suddenly in geologic time and are followed by long periods of little evolutionary change.

adaptive radiation

the process involving the diversification of one ancestral species into many descendent species.