Chapter 16 Flashcards
Sedimentary rocks
-are formed gradually over time
-made from the compaction of sand and dust
Igneous rocks
are formed suddenly due to volcanic eruptions.
Mass extinction percentage
an extinction of between 50% and 90% of all living species that occur relatively rapidly
Continental drift
The movement of the continents relative to one another over time
Plate tectonics
the theory that the Earth’s outer shell is made up of large plates that move slowly over the mantle
Convergent evolution
a process in which different species evolve similar traits or behaviors to adapt to similar environmental challenges, even though they are not closely related
Taxonomy
the identification, naming, and classification of organisms on the basis of shared traits
Pyhlogeny
the evolutionary history of a group of organisms
Phylogenetic tree
A branching diagram of relationships showing common ancestry
similar to a family tree
Adaptive radiation
when several new species rapidly develop from a single ancestral species
Biogeography
the study of species distributions across the planet
Cell theory
- all living things are made of cells
- cells come from other cells
- cells are the basic unit
Shared features of all cells
cell membrane
genetic material (DNA)
ribosomes
cytoplasm
Characteristics of bacteria
- DNA floating freely in cytoplasm
- no organelles
- cell wall made of peptidogycan
Characteristics of eukaryotes
- A nucleus (that contains DNA)
- many organelles
Process that occurs inside cells
DNA —- RNA —- Protein
What is the oldest type of fossil?
microfossils
Archean period
- used chemicals to live
- NO OXYGEN
- anaerobic life dominated the biosphere
(organisms that lives without oxygen)
Origin of photosynthesis
cyanobacteria found a way to split water apart
generating oxygen waste… thus photosynthesis
Where did life begin?
in water
How does mass extinction change the environment?
Changes in:
- sea level
- global temp
- atmospheric conditions
Punctuated equilibrium
a theory that describes how evolution occurs in spurts, rather than gradually and steadily
Characteristics of plate tectonics
- movement of Earth’s upper mantle & crust
- influences the geographical distribution of landmasses & organisms
- causes continental drift
Homology
refers to similarities between organisms that are due to a common ancestor
SHARED ORGIN
