Patterns of Evolution Flashcards
Adaptive Radiation
A process where a single species or small group of species rapidly diversify into many new species
Anagenesis
The gradual evolution of a species through changes to its lineage, while continuing to exist as an interbreeding population
Analogous Structures
Traits or body parts in different species that perform similar functions but have different evolutionary origins. These structures arise due to convergent evolution, where similar environmental pressures lead to similar adaptations
Biogeography
The study of the geographical distribution of species and ecosystems, and how they have changed over time. It provides insights into the evolutionary history of organisms and how species spread and evolved in different environments.
Coevolution
The process by which two or more species evolve in response to each other, often due to mutualistic, competitive, or predatory relationships.
Cladogenesis
A process in evolution where a parent species splits into two or more distinct species
Convergence
A process where species that are not closely related independently evolve similar features or behaviours
Divergence
The process by which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, usually due to different selective pressures or geographical isolation. Leads to the formation of distinct species
Fossil Record
The collection of preserved remains, impressions, or traces of ancient organisms, which provides evidence of past life forms, their evolution, and how they have changed over time.
Gradualism
A model of evolution which proposes that evolutionary change occurs slowly and steadily over long periods of time, with small, incremental changes accumulating to produce new species.
Homologous Structures
Body parts or traits in different species that have a common evolutionary origin, even though they may serve different functions. Derived from shared common ancestors.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
DNA found in the mitochondria. mtDNA is inherited maternally and is used in genetic studies to trace lineage and evolutionary relationships, as it mutates at a relatively consistent rate.
Molecular Clocks
A method of estimating the time of divergence between two species based on the rate at which their molecular markers (such as DNA sequences) accumulate mutations over time. Molecular clocks rely on the assumption that mutations occur at a constant rate.
Punctuated Equilibrium
A theory in evolutionary biology that suggests species remain relatively unchanged for long periods and then experience rapid bursts of evolutionary change, typically due to significant environmental changes or other external factors.
Stratigraphy
The branch of geology that deals with the study of rock layers (strata) and their sequence. Stratigraphy is used in paleontology to determine the relative age of fossils and helps in understanding the timing of evolutionary events.
Vestigial Structures
A feature that a species inherited from an ancestor but that is now less elaborate and functional than in the ancestor.
Y Chromosome
One of the two sex chromosomes in mammals, typically determining male sex in organisms with XY sex determination. The Y chromosome is passed from father to son and is used in genetic studies to trace paternal lineage and understand evolutionary relationships.
