Chapter 2 Flashcards
History of evolution
Evolution
Cumulative inherited changes in a population of organisms through time. A change in allele frequencies from one generation to the next.
Natural selection
Bias in survival and fertility which causes future generations to have a better fit with the environment.
Scientific method
A method of procedure that has been characterizing science since the 17th century. Consists of systematic observation, measurement, experimentation, rigorous testing, and hypothesis modification.
What is empiricism?
The idea that all knowledge comes from observation and experience.
What concept defines species?
A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. The species is the principal natural taxonomic unit, ranking below a genus and denoted by a Latin binomial (e.g., Homo sapiens).
What is binomial nomenclature?
A species of animal or plant receives a name consisting of two terms. The first term identifies the genus to which it belongs and the second name refers to the species to which it exists.
Comparative anatomy
Developed by Buffon, is a technique which compares similar structures across different species.
Define extinct and how it changed evolutionary perspectives.
When there are no living members remaining of a species, family, or breed. When it was discovered that there were creatures that were extinct it caused question to the religious facts that dictated the historical facts.
Define Catastrophism
The theory that the earths formation has been formed by brief but violent catastrophic events that were probably worldwide in scope.
What is Unifornitarianism?
The theory that the geological process that we observe today is the same process as it was operating in the past.
What is carrying capacity?
The amount of organisms an environment can comfortably support. Founded by Malthus.
Define existant
Still in existence; surviving.
What is the Fixity of Species theory?
Once a species is created it remains the same over time.
What is artificial selection?
Human identified desirable traits sought out in plants and animals- and the subsequent actions taken to perpetuate those traits in future generations.
What is a phenotype?
The visibly expressions of an individuals genotype.
What are genes?
A sequence of DNA that provide coding information for the construction of proteins.
Modern Synthesis:
the merging of Mendel’s genetics theories with those of Darwinian evolution theories resulting in a unified theory on evolution.
What is gene flow?
The introduction of new genetic material into a region through interbreeding of two distinct populations.
What is genetic drift?
Random changes in allele frequencies from one generation to the next.
Define microevolution
Changes in the allele frequencies in an interbreeding population.
Define macroevolution
Changes that result in the emergence of a new species.
Speciation
The process by which genetically distinct species evolve from.
What is an allele/DNA?
A nonidentical DNA sequence found in the same gene location on a homologous chromosome that codes for the same trait but produces a different result.
What is a genetic drift?
Random changes in allele frequencies within a population from one generation to the next.
Define gene pool
The entire collection of genetic material in a breeding community that can be passed from one generation to the next.
Define Species
A group of living organisms consisting of individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. Ranks below a genus and is clasified by a Latin binomial
What is creationism?
The belief that the universe and all of its beings were created in a divine act.
what is intelligent design?
A pseudoscience based on the notion that life on earth is so complex it cannot be explained by the scientific theory and therefore it must have been created by a supernatural force.
