AP Bio Midterm Key Terms Ch. 24

Question 1

adaptive radiation

Answer 1

The emergence of numerous species from a common ancestor introduced into an environment that presents a diversity of new opportunities and problems.

Question 2

allometric growth

Answer 2

The variation in the relative rates of growth of various parts of the body, which helps shape the organism.

Question 3

allopatric speciation

Answer 3

A mode of speciation induced when an ancestral population becomes segregated by a geographic barrier or is itself divided into two or more geographically isolated subpopulations.

Question 4

allopolyploid

Answer 4

A common type of polyploid species resulting from two different species interbreeding and combining their chromosomes.

Question 5

autopolyploid

Answer 5

An individual that has more than two chromosome sets, all derived from a single species.

Question 6

biological species concept

Answer 6

Definition of a species as a population or group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce viable, fertile offspring, but are not able to produce viable, fertile offspring with members of other populations.

Question 7

ecological species concept

Answer 7

Defining species in terms of ecological roles (niches).

Question 8

heterochrony

Answer 8

Evolutionary change in the timing or rate of an organism’s development.

Question 9

homeotic gene

Answer 9

Any of the genes that control the overall body plan of animals and plants by controlling the developmental fate of groups of cells.

Question 10

macroevolution

Answer 10

Evolutionary change above the species level, including the appearance of major evolutionary developments, such as flight, that we use to define higher taxa.

Question 11

microevolution

Answer 11

Evolutionary change below the species level; change in the genetic makeup of a population from generation to generation.

Question 12

morphological species concept

Answer 12

Defining species by measurable anatomical criteria.

Question 13

paedomorphosis

Answer 13

The retention in an adult organism of the juvenile features of its evolutionary ancestors.

Question 14

paleontological species concept

Answer 14

Definition of species based on morphological differences known only from the fossil record.

Question 15

phylogenetic species concept

Answer 15

Definition of a species as a set of organisms with a unique genetic history—that is, as one branch on the tree of life.

Question 16

polyploidy

Answer 16

A chromosomal alteration in which the organism possesses more than two complete chromosome sets.

Question 17

postzygotic barrier

Answer 17

Any of several species-isolating mechanisms that prevent hybrids produced by two different species from developing into viable, fertile adults.

Question 18

prezygotic barrier

Answer 18

A reproductive barrier that impedes mating between species or hinders fertilization of ova if interspecific mating is attempted.

Question 19

punctuated equilibrium

Answer 19

In evolutionary theory, long periods of apparent stasis (no change) interrupted by relatively brief periods of sudden change.

Question 20

reproductive isolation

Answer 20

The existence of biological factors (barriers) that impede members of two species from producing viable, fertile hybrids.

Question 21

speciation

Answer 21

The origin of new species in evolution.

Question 22

species

Answer 22

A group whose members possess similar anatomical characteristics and have the ability to interbreed.

Question 23

species selection

Answer 23

A theory maintaining that species living the longest and generating the greatest number of species determine the direction of major evolutionary trends.

Question 24

sympatric speciation

Answer 24

A mode of speciation occurring as a result of a radical change in the genome of a subpopulation, reproductively isolating the subpopulation from the parent population.