Glossary 3051 Flashcards

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1
Q

Adaptive radiation

A

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

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2
Q

Analogous structures

A

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

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3
Q

Ancestral species

A

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

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4
Q

Biodiversity

A

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

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5
Q

Biogeography

A

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

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6
Q

Cladogram

A

A diagram to show an organism’s evolutionary history.

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7
Q

Co-evolution

A

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

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8
Q

Convergent evolution

A

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

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9
Q

Dating methods

A

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

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10
Q

Divergent evolution

A

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

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11
Q

DNA hybridization

A

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.

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12
Q

Endemics

A

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

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13
Q

Fossil

A

Preserved remains or traces of past life forms.

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14
Q

Gradualism

A

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

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15
Q

Homologous structures

A

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

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16
Q

Micro-evolution

A

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.

17
Q

Macro-evolution

A

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.

18
Q

Parallel evolution

A

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

19
Q

Punctuated equilibrium

A

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.

20
Q

Resources

A

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