A4.1 Evolution and Speciation

Question 1

Evolution

Answer 1

Cumulative changes in heritable characteristics over a long period of time

Question 2

Molecular Phylogeny

Answer 2

Comparative analysis of DNA and RNA nucleotide sequences as well as protein in interpret evolutionary history

Question 3

Selective Breeding

Answer 3

Artificial selection where humans select individuals from a species to breed together based on desirable characteristics

Question 4

Homologous Structures

Answer 4

Structures that are physically similar and share a common ancestor but perform different functions in different species

Question 5

Divergent Evolution

Answer 5

Pattern of evolution where organisms arising from the same ancestral species adapt to different environmental conditions according to the pressures of natural selection

Question 6

Analogous Structures

Answer 6

Biological structures that have evolved independently in two living organisms to serve the same function in similar environments and are the result of convergent evolution

Question 7

Convergent Evolution

Answer 7

Process where different species evolve to have similar traits in response to similar evolution pressures

Question 8

Speciation

Answer 8

Formation of a new species by splitting a pre-existing species into two or more

Question 9

Reproductive Isolation

Answer 9

Preventing individuals of different species from mating / producing fertile offspring

Question 10

Geographical Barriers

Answer 10

Barriers that prevent populations of the same species from interbreeding / producing fertile offspring

Question 11

Examples of geographical barriers

Answer 11

1. Large distances
2. Physical Barriers
3. Human-made Barriers