Glossary 3051

Question 1

Adaptive radiation

Answer 1

The rapid evolution of an ancestral (single) species into several lineages, each with their own unique adaptations.

Question 2

Analogous structures

Answer 2

Structures that, while similar in function and appearance in the adult, do not share a common ancestry (the embryological origin is different).

Question 3

Ancestral species

Answer 3

A species from which a number of new species are descended.

Question 4

Biodiversity

Answer 4

The degree of variation of life forms within an ecosystem or the entire planet.

Question 5

Biogeography

Answer 5

The study of the distribution of species in geographic space and through geological time.

Question 6

Cladogram

Answer 6

A diagram to show an organism’s evolutionary history.

Question 7

Co-evolution

Answer 7

A change in the genetic composition of one species (or group of individuals) in response to a genetic change in another species (or group).

Question 8

Convergent evolution

Answer 8

The development of the same biological trait (such as body form, colouration, organs) in unrelated lineages.

Question 9

Dating methods

Answer 9

The direct and indirect methods used to determine the order of past events or age of fossil evidence.

Question 10

Divergent evolution

Answer 10

The process of two or more related species becoming more and more different. Adaptive radiation is a form of divergent evolution.

Question 11

DNA hybridization

Answer 11

The process of bringing together two DNA strands. The more linking (hybridisation) between the two DNA strands, the more closely related the individuals/species are.

Question 12

Endemics

Answer 12

Species that only are found in a narrowly defined region, such as an island country.

Question 13

Fossil

Answer 13

Preserved remains or traces of past life forms.

Question 14

Gradualism

Answer 14

The evolution of a species in a gradual, slow, constant and consistent manner.

Question 15

Homologous structures

Answer 15

Structures that, while having the same embryological origin, carry out different functions in the adult.

Question 16

Micro-evolution

Answer 16

Refers to the changes in allele frequencies that take place within a population. Micro-evolution tends to cover a small period of time such as about 100 years.

Question 17

Macro-evolution

Answer 17

Evolution on a larger time scale, such as thousands or even millions of years. Macro-evolution studies the changes that happen at or above the species level.

Question 18

Parallel evolution

Answer 18

The development of a similar trait in related but distinct species descending from the same ancestor.

Question 19

Punctuated equilibrium

Answer 19

Evolution of a species where change appears suddenly. There are long periods in which the species hardly changes and then there is a sudden observable change.

Question 20

Resources

Answer 20

Features of the environment which benefit a species, such as food or shelter.