Chapter 12: Evolution Flashcards
Define evolution
The change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, which may result in the development of a new species
Define microevolution
Small scale variation of allele frequencies within a species or population, in which the descendant is of the same taxonomic group as the ancestor
Define macroevolution
The variation of allele frequencies at or above the level of species, over geological time, resulting in the divergence of taxonomic groups, in which the descendant is in a different taxonomic group from the ancestor
What are the times scales used in relation to evelutionary timescale?
Period, eras, epochs, and eons
How is the measurement of gelogical time expressed?
Millions of years ago (MYA)
What is a period?
A division of geologictime; peiods and epochs together make up eras
What is an era?
A division of geologic time comprising of periods and epochs
What is an epoch?
A division of geologic time that can be divided into periods, epochs and ages
What are some key geologic events on Earth’s timeline?
Refer to figure 12.2.1 pg 235 for details
What is evolutionary radiation?
An increase in taxonomic diversity or morphological disparity
What are phylogenic relationships?
An evolutionary relationship that exists between a group of species, often expressed as a tree-like diagram
Which ecological event was the biggest?
The Permian period (250mya) where 96% of species were wiped out (refer to figure 12.2.1 pg 235 for more info)
What is phylogeny?
Evolutionary relationships that exist between species, often expressed as a tree-like diagram
How can similarities and data be collected from fossils?
Using similarities in DNA
How can DNA analysis be used?
Phylogenic trees (refer to figure 12.3.1 pg 238 for diagram)
