BIOLOGY

• Patterns of relatedness and ancestry among different species

  Inferred from their shared evolutionary history
• DNA sequences


  Specific order or arrangement of nucleotide bases along the DNA molecule
• RNA

  Provides insights into more dynamic aspects of evolution, such as gene expression, regulation, and adaptation
• PROTEIN SEQUENCES serve as evidence of evolutionary relationships by reflecting the genetic changes accumulated over time due to evolutionary processes such as mutation and natural selection.
• Morphological Characteristics refer to the physical traits and structures of organisms, including their anatomy, physiology, and behavior.
• Comparative Morphology is a way to determine evolutionary relationships as organisms with the most similar morphology are typically the most closely related.
• Homologous Structures are anatomical features that share a common evolutionary origin, indicating they are derived from a common ancestor.
• Analogous Structures are anatomical features that have similar functions or purposes but do not share a common evolutionary origin.
• A vestigial structure is an anatomical feature or behavior that no longer seems to have a purpose in the current form of an organism
• Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms based on shared characteristics
• Systematics is the study of the evolutionary relationships between these groups.
• Species is the most basic unit of classification in taxonomy, representing a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring under natural conditions.
• Order is a broader category encompassing many families with similar structural and functional traits.
• Kingdom is the highest level of classification, consisting of phyla sharing fundamental cellular and molecular properties.
• Phylum is a broad division including classes with similar body plans and developmental patterns.
• Class is a higher-level category containing orders with related structures and behaviors.
• Family consists of multiple genera with similar structures and functions.
• Genus is a smaller subgroup within orders, comprising species with similar morphological and physiological attributes.
• Developmental characteristics in taxonomy refer to observable traits and processes related to the growth, and life cycle of organisms that are used to categorize them into them taxonomic groups.
• Embryonic development - During vertebrate development, all embryos exactly look the same during the very early stages of development. This is evidence of the shared evolutionary history of vertebrates.
• Despite differences in adult appearance and behavior, both butterflies and moths exhibit similar metamorphic changes and life cycle.
• Hierarchical classification is a system of organizing living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics.
• Hierarchical classifications, such as the Linnaean taxonomy system, are essential tools in biology for organizing and understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
• Morphological traits refer to the physical characteristics of organisms, such as body shape, size, coloration, and the presence or absence of specific features like wings or fins.
• Developmental traits refer to characteristics related to an organism's growth and development, including embryonic development, metamorphosis, and growth patterns.
• COMPARATIVE EMBRYOLOGY the study of the development of embryos across different species can reveal similarities that suggest common

  ancestry.
• Anatomical Homology are structures that indicate common ancestry. These can include similarities in bone structure, organ arrangement, and overall body plan.
• COMPARATIVE ANATOMY involves studying the anatomical features of different organisms to identify similarities and differences.
• Genetic comparing traits involves the DNA sequences of different organisms to determine their degree of relatedness.
• Genetic comparing traits involves the DNA sequences of different organisms to determine their degree of relatedness.
• Molecular Phylogenetics uses genetic data, such as DNA sequences, to reconstruct evolutionary relationships.
• Behavioral Traits Include patterns of behavior such as mating rituals, feeding habits, and communication methods.
• Ecological Traits relate to an organism's interactions with its environment, including its habitat, diet, and interactions with other organisms.
• Cladogram - a diagram that depicts evolutionary relationships among groups. It is based on PHYLOGENY,

  which is the study of evolutionary relationships.
• PORIFERA - The phylum with the simplest body plan. Example. sponges.

  •Unique Characteristics:

  Lack of true tissues and organs.

  •Adaptation:

  Porous body structure allows water to flow through, facilitating filter feeding.
• Choanocytes - The versatile cell of sponges.
• CNIDARIA (ex. Jellyfish, Anemone, Polyps)

  Stinging animals such as corals, sea anemones, and jellyfish. Presence of specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes.
• Cnidocytes contain nematocysts, used for defense and prey capture by injecting venom into the target.
• Cnidocytes - specialized stinging cells.
• Nematocysts- used for defense and prey capture by injecting venom into the target.