Unit 2.1 Biodiversity And Classification Flashcards
Define ‘Biodiversity’
The number of species and the number of individuals in each species in a specified region
Define ‘Species’
A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. They all come from a common ancestor
Define ‘Polymorphism’
More than one phenotype in a population at rates that are greater than would occur by mutation alone
Define ‘DNA fingerprint / profile’
A pattern unique for each individual related to the base sequences of their DNA
Define ‘Natural Selection’
The process of advantageous characteristics being selected for due to environmental pressures and passed on to future generations. Disadvantageous characteristics are selected against
Define ‘Niche’
The role of an organism within its ecosystem
Define ‘Phylogeny’
Evolutionary relatedness
Define ‘Taxonomy’
The identification and naming of organisms
Define ‘Classification’
Grouping organisms
Define ‘Hierarchy’
A ranking system in which smaller groups are built up into larger groups
Define ‘Taxon’
Any group within the system of classification i.e. class or phylum
Define ‘Homologous structures’
Same structure and origin but different function
Define ‘Pentadactyl’
5 digit limb
Define ‘Analogous structures’
Same function but different structure and origin
Define ‘Convergent Evolution’
Structure evolve similar properties but different origins
