Classification And Evolution Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of biological classification?
To organize and categorize living organisms based on shared characteristics.
True or False: The Linnaean system of classification includes seven main taxonomic ranks.
True
Fill in the blank: The two main parts of a species name in binomial nomenclature are the genus and the _____.
species
What does the term ‘phylogeny’ refer to?
The evolutionary history and relationships among species.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is the correct order of taxonomic ranks from broadest to most specific?
Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
What is a cladogram?
A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms.
True or False: All organisms in the same family must belong to the same genus.
True
Fill in the blank: The domain that includes organisms with prokaryotic cells is called _____.
Bacteria
What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?
Homologous structures share a common ancestry, while analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins.
Multiple Choice: Which taxonomic rank is directly below ‘Kingdom’?
Phylum
What is the significance of the fossil record in evolutionary biology?
It provides evidence of past life forms and their evolutionary changes over time.
True or False: Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin.
True
Fill in the blank: The process by which populations adapt to their environment over time is known as _____.
evolution
What is speciation?
The process by which new species arise from existing species.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the concept of adaptive radiation?
The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.
What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?
It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.
True or False: Convergent evolution results in species with similar traits due to shared ancestry.
False
Fill in the blank: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time is known as _____.
biogeography
What are the three domains of life?
Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a kingdom in the domain Eukarya?
Archaea
What is a species?
A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
True or False: Evolution can occur in response to environmental changes.
True
Fill in the blank: The theory that explains how species evolve through the process of natural selection is known as the theory of _____.
evolution
What is genetic drift?
A mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the term ‘endemic species’?
Species that are native to and found only in a specific geographic area.
What is the significance of the concept of ‘survival of the fittest’ in evolution?
It refers to the idea that individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
True or False: All living organisms share a common ancestor.
True
Fill in the blank: The process by which organisms with favorable traits reproduce more successfully than others is called _____.
natural selection
What is the role of mutations in evolution?
Mutations introduce new genetic variations that can be acted upon by natural selection.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?
Human appendix
What is the purpose of a taxonomic key?
To help identify organisms based on their characteristics.
True or False: All members of a genus share the same species name.
False
Fill in the blank: The taxonomic rank below family is called _____.
genus
What is the difference between artificial selection and natural selection?
Artificial selection is human-directed breeding, while natural selection occurs based on environmental pressures.
Multiple Choice: Which scientist is known for the theory of punctuated equilibrium?
Stephen Jay Gould
What is the significance of reproductive isolation in speciation?
It prevents different species from interbreeding, allowing for the development of distinct species.
True or False: All adaptations are beneficial to an organism.
False
Fill in the blank: The evolutionary history of a group of organisms can be represented by a _____.
phylogenetic tree
What is a homologous structure?
An anatomical feature in different species that has a similar origin but may serve different functions.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following processes can lead to genetic variation?
Mutation, gene flow, and sexual reproduction.
What are the main factors that can lead to evolution?
Natural selection, genetic drift, mutations, and gene flow.
True or False: Evolution is a linear process that always leads to more complex organisms.
False
Fill in the blank: The concept that explains how species evolve in bursts of rapid change followed by long periods of stability is called _____.
punctuated equilibrium
What role does the environment play in natural selection?
The environment determines which traits are favorable for survival and reproduction.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a fossil?
A preserved dinosaur bone.
What is the purpose of phylogenetic analysis?
To determine the evolutionary relationships between species.
True or False: The concept of descent with modification is a key principle of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
True
Fill in the blank: The study of the classification of organisms is known as _____.
taxonomy
What is a niche?
The role and position a species has in its environment.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution?
Photosynthesis
What is the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems?
Biodiversity increases ecosystem resilience and stability.
True or False: Speciation can occur due to geographic isolation.
True
Fill in the blank: The term for a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area is called a _____.
population
What is the role of the fossil record in understanding evolution?
It provides evidence of how species have changed over time.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes convergent evolution?
Different species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
What is the significance of ecological niches in evolution?
They allow species to adapt to different roles in an ecosystem, reducing competition.
True or False: Evolutionary changes can occur rapidly or slowly depending on environmental conditions.
True
Fill in the blank: The classification system that uses hierarchical categories is known as the _____.
Linnaean system
What is the main focus of evolutionary biology?
To study the processes that have led to the diversity of life on Earth.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of reproductive isolation?
Temporal isolation
What is the role of competition in natural selection?
It influences which individuals survive and reproduce based on resource availability.
True or False: All species are equally adapted to their environments.
False
Fill in the blank: The concept that explains the gradual change in species over time is known as _____.
evolution
