Origin of Species and Macroevolution

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the chapter on the origin of species and macroevolution, assisting students in mastering important definitions and mechanisms related to evolutionary biology.

Macroevolution

Evolutionary changes that create new species and groups of species, typically through the accumulation of microevolutionary changes.

Identification of Species

The process of defining and categorizing species based on their distinct attributes, characteristics, and relationships.

Reproductive Isolation

Mechanisms that prevent one species from interbreeding with other species, maintaining distinct species.

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when some members of a species become geographically separated, leading to genetic divergence.

Sympatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when members of a species that are within the same range diverge into two or more species with no physical barriers.

Prezygotic Isolating Mechanisms

Mechanisms that prevent the formation of a zygote, including habitat isolation, temporal isolation, and mechanical isolation.

Postzygotic Isolating Mechanisms

Mechanisms that block the development of viable, fertile individuals after fertilization, such as hybrid inviability and hybrid sterility.

Evo-Devo

Evolutionary developmental biology, a field that compares development across species to understand evolutionary relationships and mechanisms.

Punctuated Equilibrium

A model of evolution in which species experience long periods of stability interrupted by rapid periods of evolutionary change.

Gradualism

A model of evolution suggesting that species evolve continuously over long spans of time through small, incremental changes.

Hox Genes

Genes that play a crucial role in determining the body plan and structure of organisms, influencing the complexity of body patterns.