Phylogeny and the History of Life

These flashcards cover the key concepts, definitions, and questions regarding phylogeny, the history of life, and the relationships between different organisms as discussed in the lecture.

What is phylogeny?

Phylogeny is the evolutionary history and relationship of organisms.

What are the components of a phylogeny?

Root, branch, tip, outgroup, node, polytomy.

What is a polytomy?

A polytomy is a node in a phylogeny that has more than two immediate descendant groups.

What is a monophyletic group?

A monophyletic group includes an ancestor and all of its descendants.

What is convergent evolution?

Convergent evolution occurs when different species develop similar traits independently.

What is a synapomorphy?

A synapomorphy is a shared derived trait that can be used to determine evolutionary relationships.

How does adaptive radiation relate to extinction?

Adaptive radiation often follows mass extinction events, allowing diverse species to evolve in new niches.

What is a mass extinction?

A mass extinction is a rapid increase in extinction rates across many species.

What was the biggest mass extinction?

The Permian-Triassic extinction, also known as the Great Dying.

What is homology?

Homology refers to characteristics shared by two species that are inherited from a common ancestor.

What is homoplasy?

Homoplasy is the similarity in traits due to convergent evolution, not common ancestry.

What role do bacteria play in nitrogen cycles?

Bacteria help fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into forms usable by plants.

What is a biofilm?

A biofilm is a community of microorganisms adhering to a surface.

What are sister taxa?

Sister taxa are groups that are more closely related to each other than to any other groups.

What is adaptive radiation?

The rapid diversification of a species into different forms to adapt to different environments.

How do ferns and mosses differ from pine trees regarding reproduction?

Ferns and mosses need water for reproduction while pine trees do not.

What is the purpose of fruit?

The purpose of fruit is to aid in the dispersal of seeds.

How do fungi obtain energy?

Fungi obtain energy by decomposing organic matter.

What is lichen?

Lichen is a symbiotic association between fungi and photosynthetic organisms.

What is endosymbiotic theory?

Endosymbiotic theory states that eukaryotic cells evolved from symbiotic relationships between different species.

What are the two types of animal symmetry?

Radial symmetry and bilateral symmetry.

What is an amniotic egg?

An amniotic egg is a type of egg that provides a protective environment for embryos in terrestrial environments.

What makes mammals unique?

Mammals are characterized by fur or hair and mammary glands that produce milk.

What are the two types of development in bilateral animals?

Protostome and deuterostome development.

How are tetrapods related to fish?

Tetrapods evolved from lobe-finned fish.

What is a pollination syndrome?

Pollination syndrome refers to the set of traits that attract specific pollinators.

What traits were selected for domestic plants?

Traits like higher yield, resistance to disease, and easier harvesting.

How do bacteria and archaea relate to eukaryotes?

Bacteria and archaea are both prokaryotes, while eukaryotes have complex cells with a nucleus.

What indicates a common ancestor in a phylogeny?

A node represents a common ancestor in a phylogeny.

What is evolutionary loss?

Evolutionary loss refers to the loss of traits over time due to lack of use or environmental changes.

Why is fungal sex considered weird?

Fungi often have complex life cycles with different mating types, and the haploid stage tends to dominate.

What are the major differences between animals and other organisms?

Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic, and typically have specialized tissues.

How does the fossil record show human evolution?

The fossil record shows a branching pattern rather than a linear progression of human evolution.

What is the closest living relative of animals?

The closest living relatives of animals are choanoflagellates.

What are the three events that explain the structure of eukaryotic cells?

Endosymbiosis, sexual reproduction, and multicellularity.

What are the two types of development in animals?

Direct development and indirect development.