Evolution Flashcards
1
Q
Definitions;
- Anthropology
- Biological anthropology
- Primate
A
- Anthropology: The study of humankind
- Biological anthropology: The study of humans as biological organisms, considered in an evolutionary framework
- Primate: member of the mammalian order of Primates; includes prosimians, monkeys, apes & humans
- defined by a mix of anatomical and beh. traits/characteristics
2
Q
Definitions;
- Evolution
- Genotype
- Phenotype
A
- Evolution: a change in the frequency of a gene or a trait in a population over multiple generations
- Genotype: the genetic makeup of an individual (genetic traits that are within genome)
- Phenotype: the observable or measurable feature feature of an organism which is under genetic control
- can be anatomical, biochemical or behavioural
3
Q
Evolution as a theory (4 reasons)
A
Is a theory because;
- it is a statement of well supported laws, principles or causes of something known or observed
- we can make predictions and testable hypothesis
- we can make direct observations or events or objects
- specific hypotheses are under constant modification, testing and re-evaluation
4
Q
- Biological evolution
- 2 important points in regards to evolution
- Adaptation
A
- Biological evolution: change in population or species over time
- Important points;
1. Living things descended from a common ancestor and thus have common chemistry
2. Living things adapt to their environment - Adaptation: a trait that increases the reproductive success of an organism, produced by natural selection in the context of a particular environment.
- humans are the product of adaption
5
Q
3 vital elements for natural selection
A
- Variation: there must be physical variations that can be passed from generation to generation
- Competition: There must be competition for limited resources (food, shelter, mates) and those better adapted will survive and reproduce
- Adaptation: subsequent generations will see an increase in individuals w/ same adaptations, as long as the enviromnet remains unchanged
6
Q
Artificial selection
A
- carried out by humans for thousands of years
- desirable trait is bred for
- i.e. wolves into domesticated dogs
- Chinese cabbage,, brussel sprouts & kohlrabi all derived from single species (Brassica oleracea)
7
Q
Evidence to support theory of evolution by common descent (4)
A
- Fossil record
- Biogeographical evidence
- Anatomical evidence
- Biochemical evidence
8
Q
Evidence for evolution;
Fossils
- what they are
- paleontology
- transitional fossil
- what the fossil record tells us
A
- are traces of past life (can be trails, footprints, burrows, worm casts, coprolites (fossilized poo), plant impressions, insects trapped in amber).
- Paleontology = method that allows us to trace the descent of a particular group
- Transitional fossil: fossils that have characteristics of 2 different groups
- fossil record tells us that life progressed from simple to more complex
9
Q
Evidence for evolution;
Biogeographical evidence
A
- Is the study of the distribution of plants and animals throughout the world
- supports the hypothesis that organisms originate in one locale and then may spread out
- Diff. life forms expected whenever geography separates them
- Islands have many unique life forms because of geographic isolation
10
Q
Evidence of Evolution;
-Anatomical Evidence
Homologous structures
- analogous structures
- Vestigial structures
A
- common descent hypothesis offers explanation for anatomical similarities among living organisms.
- Homologous structures: structures anatomically similar that are inherited by a common ancestor
- i.e. vertebrate forelimbs
- Analogous structures: structures that serve the same function but do not share common ancestry (therefore not constructed the same
- Vestigial Structures: anatomical features fully developed in one group that are reduced and may have no function in another group
e. g. humans have appendix and tail bone - coccyx
11
Q
Pentadactyl limb
A
- Modified from the terrestrial vertebrate forelimb for various functions/use
- similar layout in alive and extinct tetrapods
- distal ends may be modified according to the environment they live in
12
Q
Evidence from embryology
A
-Early in embryo development; many different species look very similar
13
Q
Evidence of Evolution;
Biochemical evidence
A
- Almost all living things use same biochemicals (i.e. DNA and ATP)
- use same triplet genetic code and use same 20 a.a.
- living things also share many of the same genes
14
Q
Taxonomy
- What it is
- Common name
A
- Science of classification by hierarchy
- Scientific taxonomy is testable classification of life forms
- common name often different in different countries
15
Q
Linnean Classification
*starting with Domain
A
- Domain/Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
- go from general to specific
16
Q
Binomial Classification
A
- Each species receives double name in Latin
- Genus & species
17
Q
The 3 domains of life
A
- Bacteria
- Archaea
- Eukarya