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Evolution
A change in the genetic composition of a population over time.
Microevolution
Evolution at the population level.
Macroevolution
Evolution that gives rise to new species, genera, families, classes, or phyla.
Evolution by artificial selection
The process in which humans decide which individuals to breed, typically with a preconceived set of traits in mind.
Evolution by natural selection
The process in which the environment decides which individuals survive and reproduce.
Fitness
An individual's ability to survive and reproduce.
Adaptation
A trait that improves an individual's fitness.
Evolution by random processes
The processes that alter the genetic composition of a population over time, but the changes are not related to differences in fitness among individuals.
Allopatric speciation
The process of speciation that occurs with geographic isolation.
Sympatric speciation
The evolution of one species into two species, without any geographic isolation.
Genetically modified organism (GMO)
An organism produced by copying genes from a species with some desirable trait and inserting them into other species of plants, animals, or microbes.
Ecological succession
The predictable replacement of one group of species by another group of species over time.
Primary succession
Ecological succession occurring on surfaces with bare rock and no soil.
Pioneer species
In primary succession, species that can survive with little or no soil.
Secondary succession
The succession of plant life that occurs in areas that have been disturbed but have not lost their soil.
Climax community
Historically, described as the final stage of succession.
Keystone species
A species that is not very abundant but has large effects on an ecological community.
Indicator species
A species that demonstrates a particular characteristic of an ecosystem.
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