Evolution terminology Flashcards
Revise key terminology
study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, as represented by the fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms
paleontology
species
group of organisms of the same type that are able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring, i.e. that are not reproductively isolated
the study of the geographical distribution of plants and animals
biogeography
the study of differences in chemical processes among species
comparative biochemistry
the comparative study of embryos of different species
comparative embryology
the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment
phenotype
continental drift
the gradual movement of the continents across the earth’s surface through geological time
comparative biochemistry
the study of differences in chemical processes among species
selective breeding
(also called artificial selection) is the process by which humans breed other animals and plants for particular traits or to eliminate particular traits
structures that are similar in function but have different evolutionary origins, as the wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bird.
analogous structures
production of offspring from the mating or breeding of individuals or organisms that are genetically closely related
inbreeding
major evolutionary change, especially with regard to the evolution of whole taxonomic groups over long periods of time
macro-evolution
the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species
comparative anatomy
period in Earth’s history when abnormally large numbers of species die out simultaneously or within a limited time frame
mass extinction
a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell
meiosis
comparative anatomy
the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species
paleontology
study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, as represented by the fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms
the gradual movement of the continents across the earth’s surface through geological time
continental drift
analogous structures
structures that are similar in function but have different evolutionary origins, as the wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bird.
mass extinction
period in Earth’s history when abnormally large numbers of species die out simultaneously or within a limited time frame
any genetic change in a population that is inherited over several generations
biological evolution
biological evolution
any genetic change in a population that is inherited over several generations
the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution
speciation