Module 3 - Biological Diversity Flashcards
Adaptation
The process when a species becomes well suited to the environment/lifestyle.
Structural adaptation
Anatomical or morphological features that improve an organisms the ability to cope the abiotic/biotic factors.
(Birds - bright feathers to attract mates)
Physiological adaptation
The internal process to regulate and maintain homeostasis for an organism to survive within a environment.
(kangaroo rats - adapt to live with no water)
Behavioural adaptations
Things organisms do to survive.
birds - migrate to warmer climate
Evolution
The change in inherited traits of a population through generations.
Natural selection
When the environment changes dramatically many organisms may die, some tolerant to change will survive this may be inherited by off spring.
(physical change - temperature chemical change - water salinity)
Divergent evolution
Differences between closely related populations within a species (common ancestors) due to common origins.
(Darwins finch the beaks)
Convergent evolution
Process of when unrelated species evolve similar physical characteristics as they have a similar lifestyle.
(sharks and dolphins fins)
Fossil records
Group of fossils being analysed and arranged chronologically
Anatomical structure
Space distinguished from surroundings.
Embryonic development
The development of animals/plants. Embryo starts with the fertilizational an egg cell by a sperm.
Genetic evidence
DNA and genetic code reflect through ancestors.
Morphological evolution
Changes in development of genes.
Homeostasis
Organisms self regulate to adjust to different conditions to survive.
Biological diversity
The variability among living organisms.
genetic species and ecosystem levels
