Evolution Mechanisms/Types

Natural Selection

a process in which organisms that have traits suited to their environment survive and reproduce the best (Plants/Animals)

Survival of the Fittest

most able to adapt to environment (another way to describe natural selection)

Directional

Trait at one extreme become more common (Ex- Sm-Med-Lg -------------> Lg)

Stabilizing

Traits in the middle become more common (Ex- Sm-Med-Lg -------------> Med)

Disruptive

Traits in the extreme ends become more common (Ex- Sm-Med-Lg -------------> Small or Large)

Mutations

changes in DNA (good/bad/neutral) that are passed down in gametes

Nonrandom Mating

the selection of mates based on desirable traits

Genetic Drift

drastic change in population leaving only a few remaining to pass on traits

Bottleneck Effect

an event that leads to loss in genetic diversity

Founder Effect

group of individuals move to isolated area

Gene Flow

group of individuals migrate and intermix with another group