M Bio EOC Review Flashcard 08

Front

What is the highest level of organization that includes all other levels of biological organization?

Back

Biosphere

Front

What term describes characteristics that allow a population to become better suited to its environment?

Back

Adaptation

Front

What is the reason for the change in the mouse population over time?

Back

The hawks eat more light mice than dark mice because they can see the light mice more easily.

Front

What does the similarity in DNA and anatomy between humans and chimpanzees suggest about their evolutionary relationship?

Back

Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor.

Front

What term is used to describe shared characteristics that are due to a common ancestor?

Back

Homologous

Front

What is the definition of an ecosystem?

Back

A community of living organisms interacting with their environment.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures share a common ancestry, while analogous structures serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A structure that has lost most or all of its original function through the course of evolution.

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is essential for natural selection and adaptation to changing environments.