A4.1 Evolution and speciation SL Flashcards
Evolution
Change in the heritable characteristics of a population over time
Natural Selection
Process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring
Darwinian vs. Lamarckian Evolution
Difference between evolution by natural selection and the inheritance of acquired characteristics
Falsification in Evolution
Concept that scientific theories must be testable and falsifiable, with evolution as an example
Genetic Variation
Differences in DNA sequences that contribute to variation within species.
Molecular Phylogeny
Study of evolutionary relationships using molecular data like DNA and protein sequences
Selective Breeding
Human-driven breeding of organisms to enhance desirable traits, demonstrating artificial selection
Homologous Structures
Structures with a similar origin but different functions, indicating common ancestry (e.g., pentadactyl limb).
Analogous Structures
Structures with similar functions but different evolutionary origins, showing convergent evolution
Comparative Anatomy
The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species.
Speciation
The process by which new distinct species arise.
Reproductive Isolation
The inability of species to breed outside their population
Differential Selection
Different environmental pressures leading to divergent evolution
Chimpanzees and Bonobos
Example of speciation through geographical separation and differential selection
Species Concept
Definition and criteria that classify organisms into distinct species