Evolution and Classification

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the 'Evolution and Classification' lecture, including definitions of evolution, natural selection, branching trees, convergent evolution, and homologous structures.

Evolution

Changes in organisms over time.

Natural Selection

Darwin's theory that individuals better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Survival of the Fittest

A concept associated with natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass those traits on.

Classification (Evolutionary History)

Grouping organisms closely together if they share a similar evolutionary history.

Branching Tree

A diagram that shows probable evolutionary relationships between organisms.

Shared Derived Characteristics

Common traits passed on that are used to group organisms on a branching tree.

Common Ancestors (Branching Tree)

The organisms found at the base of a branching tree, representing a shared lineage.

Evolutionary Relationships (Comparison Methods)

Determined by comparing organism structure and the chemical makeup of cells.

Convergent Evolution

When unrelated organisms develop similar characteristics or behaviors, often due to adapting to similar habitats, despite being distantly related.

Homologous Structures

Body parts in different organisms that have a similar structure because they evolved from a common ancestor, even if they now have different functions.

Reclassification

The process by which organisms can be regrouped or re-categorized as new information is gathered.