Macroevolution

These flashcards cover key concepts, vocabulary, and definitions related to evolution, taxonomy, and classification systems as learned in the lecture.

Classification

The system used to organize the diversity of life and indicate evolutionary relationships.

Taxonomy

The field of study concerned with classifying and naming organisms.

Homologies

Structures that are similar in different species due to shared ancestry.

Analogies

Structures that are similar due to convergent evolution, not shared ancestry.

Homoplasy

A shared feature that evolved independently in different species.

Evolutionary systematics

A classification method that considers evolutionary relationships and ancestry.

Cladistics

A method of classification based solely on shared derived traits.

Species

The most basic classification unit, defined as a group that can interbreed.

Biological species concept

Defines species based on the ability to reproduce and produce viable offspring.

Speciation

The process by which one species evolves into another.

Ecological niche

The position of a species in its environment, encompassing its interactions and role.

Paleo species

Species that are recognized based on fossil evidence.

Extant species

Species that are currently living and not extinct.

Genus

A taxonomic rank above species; a group of closely related species.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows the relationships between organisms based on shared characteristics.

Macroevolution

Evolutionary changes that result in the formation of new species.

Ancestral traits

Characteristics shared by a group of organisms through future ancestors.

Derived traits

Characteristics that are specific to a particular lineage and differ from ancestral traits.

Clade

A group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all its descendants.

Monophyletic

A clade that consists of an ancestor and all its descendants.

Polyphyletic

A group that consists of multiple ancestors not included in all descendants.

Phylogenetic tree

A branching diagram that represents evolutionary relationships through ancestor-descendant connections.

Fossilization

The process by which organic material becomes preserved as fossils.

Geological time scale

A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time.

Continental drift

The movement of the Earth's continents that can lead to isolation and evolution of species.

Cenozoic Era

The geological timeframe known as the Age of Mammals.

Paleozoic Era

Geological era during which the first vertebrates appeared.

Taphonomy

The study of how organisms decay and become fossilized.

Adaptive radiation

The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.

Heterodont teeth

Teeth of different shapes and sizes, found in mammals.

Homodont teeth

Teeth that are uniform in shape, found in most reptiles.

Endothermic

Organisms that can maintain a constant internal body temperature through metabolic activities.

Ectothermic

Organisms that rely on external sources of temperature regulation.

Primates

A group of mammals characterized by larger brains and complex behaviors.

Microevolution

Small evolutionary changes within a species over time.

Macro versus Microevolution

Macroevolution involves large-scale changes that create new species, while microevolution involves small changes within species.

Fossil species designation

The process of identifying and categorizing species based on fossil evidence.

Individual variation

Differences among individuals within the same species.

Sexual dimorphism

Differences in appearance between males and females of the same species.

Isolation

The separation of a species, often leading to divergence and speciation.

Natural selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Variation

Differences among individuals in a population.

Extinction

The state of a species that no longer exists.

Speciation event

A point in time when one species diverges into two separate species.

Evolutionary divergence

The accumulation of differences between groups, leading to the formation of new species.

Taxonomic classification of fossils

The method of organizing and categorizing species based on fossil evidence.

Geological deposits

Layers of earth that contain fossils and other geological materials.