Evolution Flashcard: Cladistics & Phylogeny

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What is evolution?

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Evolution is the process through which species change over time through genetic variation and natural selection.

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What is a cladogram?

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A cladogram is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms.

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What is a phylogenetic tree?

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A phylogenetic tree is a branching diagram that represents the evolutionary history of a group of organisms, showing how they are related.

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What is a clade?

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A clade is a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all its descendants.

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What does radial symmetry mean?

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Radial symmetry is a body plan in which body parts are arranged around a central axis, like a starfish.

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What is the significance of lungs in evolution?

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Lungs are significant in evolution as they allow for the adaptation of organisms to terrestrial environments.

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What is natural selection?

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Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What is genetic variation?

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

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution.

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What is the role of fossils in understanding evolution?

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Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their changes over time, helping to trace evolutionary history.