Chapter 10 - Evolution and Classification Flashcards
Definition of species
A group of organisms which can reproduce to produce fertile offspring.
Have common genetic, biochemical, physiological, an atomic features.
Definition of classification
The process of sorting organisms into groups based on similarities and differences.
Why do scientists classify organisms?
- to identify species
- to predict characteristics
- to find evolutionary links
What is the biological species concept?
Defines species as a group with similar morphological, physiological, behavioral, biochemical and ecological features.
Can interbreed with each other to produce fertile offspring.
What is the phylogenetic species concept?
Defines a species as the smallest group that shares a common ancestor.
What is the hierarchy of classification?
Domain Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
What is binomial nomenclature?
- the naming system used for classification
- first part of the name is the genus
- second part of the name is the species
Advantages of the international binomial name
- avoids confusion between countries
- avoids ambiguity
Types of adaptations
1 . Anatomical - physical structure 2 . Behavioral - simple reflex response 3. Physiological - biochemical or cellular characteristics
Anatomical adaptations in humans
- Bipedalism
- walking on 2 feet
- allows for tool use
- greater ability to hunt - Brain size
- tripled over the course of human evolution
- more complex info can be processed.
- greater ability to adapt to changing environment
Behavioral adaptations in humans
- Tool use
- improved hunting
- ability to obtain high protein and high energy diet - Social adaptations
- behavior helps maintain larger social groups.
Physiological adaptations in humans
- Lactose tolerance
- source of calcium - Skin pigmentation
- loss of body hair
- provides protection from dangerous UV radiation
Adaptations to temperature in plants
- low growing (minimize risk of freezing.)
- dark in color (help absorb radiation)
- disk shaped flowers (focus heat from the sun)
Adaptations to water in plants
- close stomata when water is limited
- close stomata at the hottest points of the day
- spread long roots over wide area
- hairs on epidermis
- thick waxy cuticle
Adaptations to light in plants
- air spaces in tissues
- seeds and stems contain air spaces
- leaves and stems are flexible
- plants in deeper waters have specialized photosynthetic pigments to absorb specific wavelengths of light.