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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. |