Genetics and Evolution Overview

Synapsis

Pairing of homologous chromosomes

Independent Assortment

Chromosomes segregate into gametes independently

Chorionic Villi Sampling

Analyzing genetic makeup from placental cells

Epigenetics

Study of gene-environment interactions

Speciation

Formation of a new species through isolation and cessation of interbreeding.

Divergent Evolution

Related species becoming more dissimilar over time.

Coevolution

Simultaneous evolution of two or more species in close interaction.

Biosphere

Thin zone on Earth with all living things, about 12 miles thick.

Ecosystem

Interaction of living and non-living parts in an environment.

Population Density

Number of individuals per unit area in a species.

Crossing Over

Exchange of DNA between homologous chromosomes

Mendel

Father of genetics, discovered principles of inheritance

Genotype

Genetic makeup represented by letter combinations

Autosomal Traits

Traits carried on non-sex chromosomes

Pedigrees

Family tree showing genetic inheritance

Amniocentesis

Testing amniotic fluid for genetic disorders

DNA Testing

Identifying individuals based on unique DNA patterns

Transgenics

Inserting DNA from one organism into another

Gene Therapy

Replacing defective genes with healthy copies

Spontaneous Generation

Idea of life arising from non-living matter

Endosymbiosis

Theory of organelle evolution within cells

Natural Selection

Process where organisms adapt to their environment

Punctuated Equilibrium

Evolution occurring in bursts of change

Biochemical Evidence

Similar amino acids and enzymes in different species indicate common ancestry.

Mutation

Physical change in a gene leading to new alleles in a population.

Migration

Movement of organisms into or out of a population, affecting gene flow.

Genetic Drift

Changes in allele frequency due to random events, not causing new species.

Geographic Isolation

Population isolation due to geographic barriers like the Grand Canyon.

Reproductive Isolation

Preventing interbreeding through different reproductive times.

Adaptive Radiation

Evolution of many species from a single ancestral species.

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated species evolving similar traits due to shared environments.

Habitat

Specific place where each organism in a population lives.

Decomposers

Organisms breaking down organic material in an ecosystem.

Greenhouse Effect

Increased CO2 trapping heat, raising average temperature.

Biomes

Large regions with distinct vegetation types.

Succession

Community change from pioneer to climax stages.

Biotic Potential

Maximum population size if all offspring survive.

Limiting Factors

Factors like food, space, and predators restricting population growth.

Carrying Capacity

Maximum population size an environment can sustain.

Symbiosis

Close relationship where dissimilar organisms coexist.

Meiosis

Cell division forming haploid gametes

Punnett Square

Tool for predicting genotypes of offspring

Phenotype

Physical appearance resulting from genotype

Incomplete Dominance

Neither gene is dominant, leading to a unique phenotype

Sex-linked Traits

Traits carried on sex chromosomes

Dihybrid Cross

Cross involving two different traits

Ultrasound

Imaging using sound waves for prenatal care

Cloning

Creating genetic copies of organisms

Embryological Evidence

Similar stages of vertebrate embryos support evolutionary relationships.

Abiotic Factors

Nonliving variables in an ecosystem like soil, water, and temperature.

Biotic Factors

Living variables in an ecosystem, including all organisms.

Population

Group of same species individuals in a defined area.

Niche

Role or occupation of an organism within its habitat.

Producers

Autotrophs like green plants that produce energy.

Consumers

Organisms feeding on producers directly or indirectly.

Food Chain

Flow of energy and organic material from one organism to another.

Food Web

Interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.

Photosynthesis

Plants using CO2 to produce glucose with sunlight.

Cellular Respiration

Process of burning glucose for energy in organisms.

Competition

Organisms vying for the same resources in an ecosystem.

Predation

One organism feeding on another in an ecosystem.

Parasitism

One organism benefits at the expense of another.

Commensalism

One organism benefits without affecting the other.

Mutualism

Both organisms benefit from their close association.