Unit 9 - Lessons 1 and 2

Front

What is an evolutionary tree?

Back

An evolutionary tree is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

Front

What does a cladogram represent?

Back

A cladogram is a diagram that shows the relationships among organisms based on shared characteristics, illustrating how species diverged from common ancestors.

Front

What is the significance of mutations in evolution?

Back

Mutations are changes in DNA that can lead to genetic variation, which is essential for evolution as it provides the raw material for natural selection.

Front

What is a dichotomous key?

Back

A dichotomous key is a tool that allows the identification of organisms by answering a series of questions that lead the user to the correct name of a given item.

Front

What is the closest relative to the brown bear?

Back

The closest relative to the brown bear is the sun bear.

Front

Which organism is most distantly related to humans according to evolutionary trees?

Back

The crayfish is most distantly related to humans according to evolutionary trees.

Front

Which group of animals are least related to birds?

Back

Sharks are least related to birds according to cladograms.

Front

What is genetic variation?

Back

Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a population, which can lead to different traits.

Front

What is artificial selection?

Back

Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed specific plants or animals for desired traits.

Front

What is exponential growth in population?

Back

Exponential growth occurs when a population increases by a fixed percentage over a given time period, leading to rapid population increase.