Reproductive Isolating Mechanisms and Speciation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to reproductive isolating mechanisms, speciation, and the classification and relationships of organisms.

Reproductive isolating mechanisms

These mechanisms prevent different species from mating and producing fertile offspring.

Allopatric speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated.

Sympatric speciation

Speciation that occurs within the same geographic area.

Temporal isolation

A type of reproductive isolation where species breed at different times or seasons.

Gametic isolation

A form of reproductive isolation in which sperm and egg are incompatible.

Hybrid inviability

Occurs when the fertilized egg does not develop past early embryonic stages.

Homologous structures

Structure that are similar in different species due to common ancestry but may serve different functions.

Analogous structures

Structures that have similar functions but different evolutionary origins.

Vestigial structures

Structures present in an embryonic stage that may disappear later or remain non-functional in adulthood.

Biogeography

The geographical distribution of species that provides evidence for evolution.

Molecular clock

A yardstick used to measure the absolute time of evolutionary change.

Systematics

The study of the kinds and diversity of organisms and the relationships among them.

Taxonomy

The theory and practice of classifying organisms, including naming and organizing them into hierarchical ranks.

Linnaean classification

A classification system developed by Carl Linnaeus that uses a binomial system of naming organisms.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram representing evolutionary relationships among species.

Character table

A table used to compare characteristics and differences between organisms to infer relationships.