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Quarter 4 Terms Bio
Term | Definition |
---|---|
abiotic | Non-living factors in the environment. |
abiotic factor | Non-living component of an ecosystem, such as temperature, sunlight, and soil. |
adaptation | A characteristic or trait that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction in a particular environment. |
advantageous trait | A beneficial characteristic that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. |
amino acid sequencing | The order of amino acids in a protein, determined by the sequence of nucleotides in DNA. |
analogous structure | Structures in different species that have similar functions but different evolutionary origins. |
anatomy | The study of the structure and organization of living organisms. |
behavior | Actions or reactions of organisms to stimuli in their environment. |
beneficial | Having a positive effect on an organism's survival or reproduction. |
biochemical evidence | Molecular data, such as DNA sequences or protein structures, used to study evolutionary relationships. |
biogeography | The study of the geographic distribution of species and ecosystems. |
biotic | Living factors in the environment. |
cladogram | A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships between different groups of organisms. |
coevolution | The evolutionary influence that two or more species have on each other, often resulting in adaptations in response to one another. |
common ancestry | Shared evolutionary history or lineage among different species. |
comparative anatomy | The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species. |
competition | Interaction between organisms or species for limited resources. |
convergent evolution | Evolution of similar traits or characteristics in unrelated species due to similar environmental pressures. |
descent with modification | The process by which species gradually change over time, with new species descending from ancestral species. |
detrimental | Having a harmful or negative effect on an organism's survival or reproduction. |
distribution | The geographic range or spread of a species or population. |
disturbance | Disruption of an ecosystem or habitat that affects the abundance and distribution of species. |
diverge | To become different or distinct, especially through evolution. |
DNA sequencing | Determining the order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule. |
ecosystem | A community of organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. |
electrophoresis | A laboratory technique used to separate molecules, such as DNA fragments or proteins, based on their size and charge. |
embryo | Early developmental stage of a multicellular organism. |
embryology | The study of embryos and their development. |
environment | The surroundings or conditions in which an organism lives and interacts. |
evolution | The process of change over time in the genetic composition of populations, leading to the formation of new species. |
evolutionary tree | A diagram depicting the evolutionary relationships between different species or groups of organisms. |
extinction | The complete disappearance of a species or group of organisms. |
fitness | The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment, contributing to the next generation's gene pool. |
fossil | The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. |
fossil record | The collective body of fossil evidence providing information about the history of life on Earth. |
founder effect | The genetic variation that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population isolated from the original population. |
gene | A hereditary unit that carries information for a specific trait and is passed from parent to offspring. |
gene flow | The transfer of genetic material from one population to another through migration and interbreeding. |
gene frequency | The proportion of a particular allele in a population's gene pool. |
gene pool | The total collection of genes and alleles in a population at a particular time. |
genetic drift | Changes in allele frequencies in a population due to random events or chance. |
genetic variation | Differences in the genetic makeup of individuals within a population or species. |
geographic isolation | Physical separation of populations by geographic barriers, leading to reproductive isolation and the formation of new species. |
geologic record | The history of Earth's formation and changes over time, as revealed by rock layers and fossils. |
gradualism | The concept that evolution occurs gradually through small, incremental changes over long periods of time. |
heritable | Traits that can be passed from parents to offspring through genetic information. |
heritable trait | A characteristic that is genetically determined and can be passed from one generation to the next. |
homologous structure | Structures in different species that have a common evolutionary origin but may serve different functions. |
homology | Similarity in traits or structures resulting from common ancestry. |
limited resources | Environmental factors or materials in limited supply that organisms compete for. |
morphology | The study of the form and structure of organisms and their parts. |
mutation | A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic variation and evolutionary change. |
natural selection | The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully. |
paleontology | The study of prehistoric life through the analysis of fossils. |
phenotypic expression | The observable traits or characteristics of an organism determined by its genetic makeup and environmental factors. |
phenotypic similarity | Similarity in observable traits or characteristics between organisms. |
phenotypic variation | Variation in observable traits or characteristics within a population or species. |
phylogenic tree | A diagram depicting the evolutionary relationships between different species or groups of organisms. |
phylogeny | The evolutionary history and relationships among organisms or groups of organisms. |
physiology | The study of the functions and processes of living organisms and their parts. |
population | A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area and capable of interbreeding. |
proliferation | Rapid increase or reproduction of a population or species. |
reproductive isolation | Barrier to successful reproduction between populations due to genetic, behavioral, or geographic factors. |
sedimentary layers | Layers of sedimentary rock formed over time through the accumulation and compression of sediments. |
selective pressure | Environmental factors that favor certain traits or characteristics over others, influencing natural selection. |
sexual reproduction | Reproduction involving the fusion of gametes from two parents, leading to genetic variation in offspring. |
sexual selection | Differential mating success due to certain traits or behaviors that enhance an individual's reproductive success. |
speciation | The process by which new species evolve from existing species. |
species | A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring in nature. |
stability | The ability of an ecosystem or population to maintain its structure and function over time. |
survival rate | The percentage of individuals in a population that survive to a given age or stage. |
trait | A characteristic or feature of an organism, determined by genetic and environmental factors. |
variation | Differences in traits or characteristics among individuals within a population or species. |
vestigial structure | A structure that has lost its original function through evolution but is retained in the organism's anatomy. |