U6C4// BIO

phylogenetic tree

A family tree that shows the evolutionary relationships thought to exist among groups of organisms

maximum parsimony

A principle that states that when considering multiple explanations for an observation, one should first investigate the simplest explanation that is consistent with the facts.

Endosymbiosis

A theorized process in which early eukaryotic cells were formed from simpler prokaryotes.

Phylogeny

evolutionary history of a species.

Taxonomy

field of biology that classifies organisms.

Summarize the endosymbiotic theory.

suggests that over time, coevolution of the two prokaryotes occurred and eventually led to speciation and the 1st eukaryotes.

binomial nomenclature

Classification system in which each species is assigned a two-part scientific name

Distinguish the three domains all life is divided between and list the other levels of taxonomic classification.

Eubacteria = prokaryotes; "true" bacteria, like pathogens Archaebacteria = prokaryotes in extreme environments Eukarya = eukaryotes

List at least two things we can. learn from a phylogenetic tree and two things we cannot learn from them.

From a phylogenetic tree we can learn: Which groups are most closely related. Which groups are least closely related. Which group diverged first (longest ago). Phylogenetic trees do not indicate when species evolved or how much genetic change occurred in a lineage. It shouldn't be assumed that a taxon evolved from the taxon next to it.

Explain what phylogenic trees show and what evidence is used to construct them.

Show a new species diverging from the common ancestor. Evidence is based upon analyzing shared morphology, genes, and behaviors.

Explain how taxonomy and phylogeny are similar yet unique fields of study.

Taxonomy concerns naming and classifying organisms. Phylogeny concerns evolutionary relationships of organisms. Taxonomy does not reveal anything about the shared evolutionary history of organisms. Phylogeny reveals the shared evolutionary history.