Evolution and adaptation in understanding 'animal design' Flashcards
Define phylogeny…
The pattern of evolution
“A trait that enhances fitness and that arose historically as a result of natural selection for its current biological role.”
Adaptation
What are the three requirements for something to be classed as an adaptation?
1) result in more offspring
2) be favoured by natural selection
3) not be previously used for another function
What is a key innovation and what do they lead to?
The greatest type of adaptation, leads to adaptive radiation which is an explosion of biodiversity/speciation.
Give an example of a key innovation…
When beetles started to eat flowers. Over 400,000 species of beetle! Flight is another example.
Not all traits are due to adaptations. Give 3 alternative explanations.
Phylogenetic constraint (evolution constrained due to ancestors), spandrels (neutral features), exaptation (old feature used for a new purpose).
Mediolateral vertebral column movement is primarily used by…?
Sprawling tetrapods (vertebrae)
Dorsoventral undulation is used by which vertebrates as a movement technique?
Mammals and crocodiles!
Limbs evolved from…
Fins!
Define homology…
Similarity in different species which share a common ancestor.
Speciation is…
The formation of new species
What is a vestigial structure?
A structure which an organism has but is no longer useful to it (a spandrel)
‘Movement on land’ is also known as…
Terrestrial locomotion
Define locomotion…
Expending ones own energy in order to move the centre of mass.
Is being in a lift locomotion?
No, because you are technically moving, but you are not expending your own energy to do so.
