Ch 5 Vocabulary: Evolution & Biodiversity

fossils

theory of evolution

microevolution

macroevolution

gene pool

alleles

mutations

differential reproduction

adaptation

coevolution

niche

specialist species

generalist species

speciation

geographical isolation

reproductive isolation

extinction

adaptive radiation

1. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. List the current five kingdoms of life and give three examples of organism from each kingdom.

2. Define species. Describe how species are named scientifically. Summarize the role of geographic and reproductive isolation in forming new species.

3. List major steps which have occurred in Earth's chemical and biological evolution. Include scientific evidence which has led to the theory of evolution. Describe three alternative hypotheses for the formation of complex chemicals necessary for life. List potential sources of energy available for synthesis of biological chemicals. Describe how the first law of thermodynamics and polymers contribute to your understanding of evolution.

4. Compare the gradualism model and punctuated equilibrium hypothesis. Distinguish between macroevolution and microevolution. Define gene pool and describe the process that increases variability of the gene pool.

5. Describe connections among mutations, adaptations, differential reproduction, and biological evolution. List and describe three possible outcomes of natural selection.

6. List four limits of adaptation to change. Summarize three common misconceptions about evolution.

7. Describe biodiversity in terms of speciation and extinction.

8. Summarize how humans have tinkered with evolutionary processes; nature's lessons that can be adopted as principles for more sustainable lifestyles; and ways that humans can restore and rehabilitate ecosystems.