All Vocab Terms for Evolution and Diversity

Every vocab term from the lab packets/lecture slides

Analogous Character

Species that have similar functions but evolved from different ancestors

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated species that evolve with similar traits because of similar environments

Evolution

Allele frequency shifts in a population over time

Phylogeny

Evolutionary history of a species or multiple species

Outgroup

A species close to the main group (but not part of)

Homology

Similar traits from different species that share a common ancestors

Homoplasy

Independent evolution of similar traits between unrelated species

Homologous Character

A trait shared by different species with a common ancestor

Common ancestor

The species that two or more species evolved from

Sister species

Closest relatives

Polytomy

Where a single lineage splits into 3 or more

Parsimony

Fewest evolutionary changes

Monophyletic

Group with a single, most common ancestor and all its descendants

Paraphyletic

Group with a common ancestor

Polyphyletic

A collection of organisms grouped together based on shared traits

Macronucleus

In charge of binary fission and all other biological functions

Micronucleus

In charge of sexual reproduction

Contractile Vacuole

Allows the cell to remove excess water by filling with water as they enter the cell and contracting to release

Pellicle

Part of the cell wall made from protein strips that is used for defense and movement

Stigma

Helps the cell find light for photosynthesis

Undulating Membrane

A membrane that extends along the flagella for better movement

Ectoplasm

Outer part of the cytoplasm, used for movement

Endoplasm

Inner part of the cell, contains the organelles

Frond

The whole fern above the roots

Pinna

Individual leaves on the frond

Sorus

Individual holder of spores on the pinna

Sporangium

Produces spores

Prothallus

Gametophyte that grows from a spore

Annulus

A ring of special cells of the sporangium, rips open to release spores

Microsporangium

Produces microspores that make male gametophytes

Megasporangium

Produces megaspores that make female gametophytes

Megagametophyte

Develops from a megaspore (female gametophyte)

Integument

Covering of an organism

Ovuliferous Scale

Structure within female cones

Micropyle

A pore in the ovum covering that the sperm enter

Cotyledon

The first leaf to emerge

Seed Coat

Outer covering of the seed

Haplodiplontic

Life cycle in plants where there are both multicellular haploid and diploid stages

Gametophyte

Haploid stage where gametes are produced

Sporophyte

Diploid cells that undergo meiosis to generate haploid spores

Archegonium

Female reproductive organ in bryophytes

Antheridium

Male reproductive organ in bryophytes

Gemmae/Gemmae Cup

A cell that detaches from the parent and develops into a new individual

Protonema

Haploid stage for mosses

Sepals

Leaf petals that protect the developing buds

Stigma

Receives pollen during fertilization A

Anther

Male reproductive organ that holds pollen

Cotyledons (in embryos)

Part of the embryo that is a food source

Pericarp

Tissue surrounding the seeds

Endocarp

Innermost layer of the pericarp

Mesocarp

Edible middle part

Exocarp

Skin of the fruit

Hypanthium

Attached to the ovary, base for outer flower parts

Fruit (botanical definition)

Mature ovary of an angiosperm that contains seeds

Parenchyma

Thin-walled living cells that do photosynthesis

Collenchyma

Elongated, flexible cells that provide flexible support and structure

Sclerenchyma

Cells dead at maturity, providing rigid structural support

Cambium

Actively dividing layer between xylem and phloem

Petiole

Connects leaf blade to stalk

Transpiration

Process of water movement

Root Cap

Protective covering

Apical Meristem

Newly formed cells that keep growing

Zone of maturation

Cells turn into different tissues

Herbaceous

Non-woody plants, typically green and flexible

Woody

Plants that have wood as structural tissue

Vascular Bundle

Transports water/nutrients

Carpel

Female reproductive organ in flowers

Double Fertilization

One sperm fertilizes the egg and one fertilizes the polar nuclei

Endosperm

The food source of the embryo plant

Net Venation

The veins on a leaf are arranged in a net-like fashion

Parallel Venation

The veins on a leaf run parallel the length of the blade

Conjugation

Reproduction in bacteria, horizontal transfer of genes

Fruiting Body (fungi)

Produces spores in fungi

Dikaryotic

Fungal cell state within two haploid nuclei

Karyogamy

Two haploid nuclei form one diploid nucleus

Plasmogamy

The cytoplasm of two haploid parent cells fuse together

Sessile

Structures that are permanently attached to a base

Benthic

Organisms at the lowest body of water

Totipotent

Stem cells that can turn into any cell

Detritivore

Feeds on dead organic material

Obligate Parasite

Can’t do basic survival functions without a host

Dioecious

Male/female reproductive organs are in separate bodies

Siphon (bivalves)

Takes in water and expels it

Siphon (cephalopods)

Expels water for movement

Viscera

Internal organs in the main cavity

Radula

Feeding organs that cuts food

Ctenidia

Gills in the mantle cavity

Adductor

Muscles that keep the shell closed against predators

Metamere

Repeating Segments

Prostomium

Sensory organ on the head/front segment

Cuticle

Protective, waterproof covering

Ecdysis

Shedding the outer cuticle

Coelom

Body cavity (fluid) between the intestines and body wall

Tagma/Tagmata

Fusion/modification of segments into functional units

Cephalothorax

Fused body region (head and thorax)

Chelicerae

Fang/mouth part on arthropods

Pedipalps

Smaller legs used for sensory input

Cheliped

Large claws on crustaceans

Brood Pouch

Houses eggs before hatching

Uropods

Flat appendages on the last abdominal segment