Evolution Flashcards
Homology
similarity due to shared ancestor
Synapomorphy
a shared derived characteristic
Biomarkers
Distinctive markers only produced by biological activity
Homoplasy
A similarity that occurs not due to a common ancestor
Evolution reversal
A reversion back to an ancestral character state, example of homoplasy
Principle of Maximum Parsimony
The alternative phylogenetic tree that requires the least evolutionary step changes is most likely the correct one
Polytomy
When multiple trees have the same amount of steps the relationships are uncertain so you must have multiple species coming off a common ancestor with no further specificity
What’s the difference between monophyletic, paraphyletic and polyphyletic
- An ancestor and all descendants
- An ancestor and some descendants
- Multiple ancestral origins
Clade
An ancestor and all its descendants
Node
On phylogenetic tree it is where the ancestor is
Exaptation
NatSel co-opts a trait for a new function. e.g shell not for protection in turtles but to anchor arms for digging
Additive Allele
Yields twice the phenotypic effect when two copies are present compared to when one is present
Mutational Meltdown
In smaller populations deleterious alleles have same likelihood to become fixated, results in less fit population which results in a smaller population which furthers the cycle
Polygenic trait
Influenced by many loci
Quantitative Genetics
Study of inheritance of traits with continuous selection
Heritability
fraction of phenotypes between individuals that is caused by genetic differences
Distinguish between Directional, Stabilising and Disruptive Selection
- One extreme has highest fitness
- Intermediate has highest fitness
- Both extremes have higher fitness
Selection Differential
Measures difference in phenotype between pre and post-selection phenotype means
Phenotypic Plasticity
1 genotype can create different phenotypes based on environment
Reaction Normal
Describes how phenotype of given individual/genotype varies with environment
Phenotypic Shifts
Species change timing to match environment. e.g timing/duration of breeding in birds
Gradualism
Evolutionary change is gradual, slowly without speciation
Punctuated equilibrium
Evolutionary change is rapid, linked with speciation, ancestor diverges, 1 dies out, long periods of stasis
Adaptive radiation
Evolution from ancestor into multitude of forms e.g. Darwin’s finches
Coalescence
The process by which genealogy of any pair of homologous alleles merges into common ancestor e.g. 3 generations until coalescence