Science Sem.2 Exam - Evolution Flashcards
Species
A species is defined as a group of organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring.
Evolution
Evolution is the process of change in the heritable characteristics of a population over time.
Speciation
Speciation is an evolutionary process that results in the formation of a new species from pre-existing species.
How does speciation occur?
Speciation can occur when two isolated populations of the same species evolve independently of each other, resulting in an inability to interbreed and/or produce fertile off spring.
Gene pool
All the genes that produce the variations of characteristics in individuals in a population of organisms. Genes are added to the gene pool by mutation and removed by death due to natural selection.
Clone
A clone has the identical genotype of its sole parent.
Evidence of evolution:
Fossil evidence - How it can be seen.
Evidence can be seen through fossils as they provide evidence of evolutionary change.
Evidence of evolution:
Fossil evidence - Defintion
The fossil record is the remains of organisms that are preserved in rocks.
Mass extinctions:
Features
- Global
- Occur quickly
- 70% of species extinct
- Climate change features in all
- Creates space (niches) into which new species evolve.
Biogeography definition
Biogeography is the geographical distribution of living species and reflects the origins of species in particular geographic locations and the history of continental movements.
Interpret evolutionary trees
An evolutionary tree is a diagram that represents the the lines of evolutionary descent of different species, organisms, or genes from a common ancestor.
Describe evidence scientists use to make inferences about evolution. (Fossil, embryological, comparitive DNA studies).
