Bio Evolution Flashcards
What does macroevolution refer to?
Macroevolution refers to large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over long periods of time, including the formation of new species.
What is extinction?
Extinction is when a species completely disappears.
What is adaptive radiation?
Adaptive radiation is the process where a single species evolves into multiple forms to adapt to different environments.
What is convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar characteristics due to similar environments or challenges.
What is coevolution?
Coevolution is when two species evolve in response to each other’s changes.
What is punctuated equilibrium?
Punctuated equilibrium is a model of evolution where change occurs in bursts followed by long periods of stability.
How do changes in developmental genes influence evolution?
Changes in developmental genes can lead to new body plans and structures, significantly affecting evolution.
What percentage of species that have ever lived are extinct?
Over 99% of species that have ever lived are extinct.
What is the significance of mass extinctions?
Mass extinctions open up ecological opportunities for surviving species, leading to bursts of new species creation.
Give an example of adaptive radiation.
Darwin’s finches evolved into multiple species with different beak shapes for different food sources.
What are analogous structures?
Analogous structures are features that serve the same function but evolved independently in unrelated species.
What is the role of Hox genes in evolution?
Hox genes control the body layout and development of organisms, and small changes can result in major evolutionary changes.
What is speciation?
Speciation is the formation of new species, typically requiring reproductive isolation.
What are isolating mechanisms?
Isolating mechanisms are factors that prevent two populations from interbreeding, leading to speciation.
What is behavioral isolation?
Behavioral isolation occurs when different courtship or mating behaviors prevent interbreeding.
What is geographic isolation?
Geographic isolation occurs when physical barriers separate populations, preventing interbreeding.
What is temporal isolation?
Temporal isolation occurs when species reproduce at different times.
What did Darwin’s finches demonstrate about natural selection?
Darwin’s finches showed that beak size and shape could evolve based on food availability.
What is reproductive isolation?
Reproductive isolation occurs when two populations can no longer interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
How did the Grants’ research support Darwin’s ideas?
The Grants showed that natural selection could cause rapid changes in beak size in response to changes in food availability.
What isolating mechanism separates the Kaibab and Abert squirrels?
The main isolating mechanism is geographic isolation due to the Grand Canyon.
What does punctuated equilibrium describe?
Punctuated equilibrium describes evolution characterized by long periods of stability interrupted by rapid change.
What is an example of temporal isolation?
An example of temporal isolation is two species of plants that bloom at different times of the year.
How does adaptive radiation differ from convergent evolution?
Adaptive radiation is the evolution of many species from a single ancestor, while convergent evolution is when unrelated species develop similar traits.
