Bio 204 Lab #1
1. Define evolution, describing what is meant by both descent and by modifica-
tion.: Evolution - descent by modification
"Descent" - the transfer of genetic material from parent to offspring/generation to generation
"Modification" - the change in genetic material through mutation or genetic recombination
By simple clonal fission or by complex sexual reproduction
2. What is a feature that results in increased survival or reproduction called?: An
adaptation results from natural selection
A feature or structure that performs a particular function that helps increase survival or reproduction
3. What is systematics and what is its primary emphasis?: Systematics is a primary branch
of biology that
-Includes & encompasses taxonomy
-Emphasizes reconstruction of phylogeny (evolutionary history of a group)
Primary emphasis:
There is only one phylogeny of life, Good to infer this from history
4. Name and define the four components of taxonomy.: DINC
-Description: listing of features and attributes
1/4
, -Identification: association of an unknown specimen
-Nomenclature: formal system of naming
-Classification: arrangement into order
5. Define and give an example of a character and character state.: Character: a feature
of an organism
Ex. "cell organization"
Character state: two or more forms of the feature
Ex. "unicellular" or "multicellular"
6. Why are scientific names preferable to common names?: -Scientific names are universal
where common names can vary from region to region
-Scientific names refer to one taxon as opposed to common names that can refer to multiple taxa
7. Define taxon and give the plural for this term.: -Taxon: refers to a specific group
-Taxa (plural of taxon)
8. Name the major ranks in the traditional, hierarchical classification.: Domain
Kingdom
Phylum ("division" for plants, fungi, and algae)
2/4
1. Define evolution, describing what is meant by both descent and by modifica-
tion.: Evolution - descent by modification
"Descent" - the transfer of genetic material from parent to offspring/generation to generation
"Modification" - the change in genetic material through mutation or genetic recombination
By simple clonal fission or by complex sexual reproduction
2. What is a feature that results in increased survival or reproduction called?: An
adaptation results from natural selection
A feature or structure that performs a particular function that helps increase survival or reproduction
3. What is systematics and what is its primary emphasis?: Systematics is a primary branch
of biology that
-Includes & encompasses taxonomy
-Emphasizes reconstruction of phylogeny (evolutionary history of a group)
Primary emphasis:
There is only one phylogeny of life, Good to infer this from history
4. Name and define the four components of taxonomy.: DINC
-Description: listing of features and attributes
1/4
, -Identification: association of an unknown specimen
-Nomenclature: formal system of naming
-Classification: arrangement into order
5. Define and give an example of a character and character state.: Character: a feature
of an organism
Ex. "cell organization"
Character state: two or more forms of the feature
Ex. "unicellular" or "multicellular"
6. Why are scientific names preferable to common names?: -Scientific names are universal
where common names can vary from region to region
-Scientific names refer to one taxon as opposed to common names that can refer to multiple taxa
7. Define taxon and give the plural for this term.: -Taxon: refers to a specific group
-Taxa (plural of taxon)
8. Name the major ranks in the traditional, hierarchical classification.: Domain
Kingdom
Phylum ("division" for plants, fungi, and algae)
2/4
