Phylogeny and Hybridization Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to phylogeny and hybridization as discussed in the lecture notes.

Hybridization

The process of interbreeding between individuals of different species or genetic backgrounds.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of organisms represented by a phylogenetic tree.

Cladogram

A branching diagram

In-group

A group of organisms that share a common ancestor

Out-group

A group that is closely related but diverged earlier than the in-group.

Shared derived character

A trait that evolved in a common ancestor and is shared by its descendants.

Principle of parsimony

The assumption that the simplest explanation or pathway for evolutionary history is the most likely one.

Molecular data

Data derived from DNA, RNA, and proteins used to infer phylogenetic relationships.

Morphological data

Data based on structural and physical features of organisms.

Convergent evolution

Process of when distantly related species evolve similar traits, leading to wrong assumptions of relatedness.

Shared ancestral character

A trait that is present in a common ancestor and is shared among various species.

Logistic growth

Population growth that slows as it approaches the carrying capacity of the environment.

Exponential growth

Population growth that occurs at a constant rate, resulting in a J-shaped curve.