Core Terminology 4: Evolution

Question 1

Biological evolution

Answer 1

genetic changes in a population that are inherited over successive generations due to natural selection and ultimately resulting in the formation of a new species.

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

statement based upon observation, proposed solution to a problem or explanation based on evidence and observations

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

explanation for something that has been observed in nature and can be supported with facts, laws and tested hypotheses.

Question 4

Population

Answer 4

a group of organisms of the same species that live in a defined area at the same time and can interbreed.

Question 5

Species

Answer 5

a group of individuals that share common characteristics, able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Question 6

Variation

Answer 6

differences between organisms of the same species.

Question 7

Continuous variation

Answer 7

a range of different phenotypes for the same characteristic, forms a continuous spectrum , may be controlled by more than one gene Eg. Height, weight, milk yield in cows (represented by histogram or line graph)

Question 8

Discontinuous variation

Answer 8

there is no range of different phenotypes. The characteristic is either present or absent Eg. Blood groups ? only a single pair of genes (represented by bar graph)

Question 9

Paleontology

Answer 9

study of fossils

Question 10

Fossil

Answer 10

remains of prehistoric life

Question 11

Anthropology

Answer 11

study of cultures

Question 12

Homologous structures

Answer 12

structures with the same anatomy and origin but different functions, common ancestor

Question 13

Speciation

Answer 13

formation of new species from existing species as a result of geographic isolation

Question 14

Biogeography

Answer 14

study of the distribution of existing and extinct organisms in specific geographical regions.

Question 15

Natural selection

Answer 15

phenomenon whereby organisms that are best adapted to the environment will survive and pass on their genes to the next generation.

Question 16

Artificial selection

Answer 16

the deliberate breeding of plants and animals for desired characteristics that would not necessarily benefit the survival of the descendants

Question 17

Extinction

Answer 17

elimination of a species from the Earth.

Question 18

Punctuated equilibrium

Answer 18

evolution characterized by long periods of stasis (where there is very little change) followed by short/rapid periods of quick change

Question 19

Reproductive isolation

Answer 19

a set of mechanisms that stops two or more populations from exchanging genes.

Question 20

Stereoscopic vision

Answer 20

the type of vision shared by apes and humans that allows for depth perception (3D)

Question 21

Phylogenetic diagram

Answer 21

a diagrammatic representation showing possible evolutionary relationships among different species.

Question 22

Bipedalism

Answer 22

walking on two legs

Question 23

quadruped

Answer 23

walking on all fours

Question 24

Dentition

Answer 24

arrangement of teeth in the jaws

Question 25

Foramen magnum

Answer 25

opening in skull through which spinal cord passes

Question 26

Hominidae

Answer 26

Family to which all primates belong (apes and humans)

Question 27

Opposable thumb

Answer 27

a thumb that is opposable to rest of fingers

Question 28

Prognathous

Answer 28

protrusion of jaw without a chin

Question 29

Out of Africa Hypothesis

Answer 29

the hypothesis which supports the migration of human ancestors from the point of origin.