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Phenotype
The observable physical properties of an organism; these include the organism's morphology, development, biochemical properties, and behavior.
Heritability
The proportion of variation in a phenotype that can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals.
Broad sense heritability
A measure that includes all genetic variance components that affect phenotype.
Natural selection
The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Genotype
The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
Alleles
Different forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.
Carotenoids
Pigments found in plants and some other organisms that can affect coloration, as seen in flamingos.
Microsatellites
Repeating sequences of DNA that are used in genetic analysis to assess genetic diversity.
SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)
The most basic type of genetic variation among individuals; a single nucleotide change in the genome.
Regression method
A statistical process for estimating the relationships among variables that can help predict future outcomes.
Line of best fit
A straight line that best represents a set of data on a scatter plot, showing the relationship between two variables.
Kin selection
A form of natural selection that favors behaviors that help relatives, enhancing the survival of shared genes.
Functionality of genes
The study of which specific genes are responsible for particular phenotypic traits.
Adaptive traits
Characteristics that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Trade-offs in evolution
The compromises between different traits where improvements in one can lead to declines in another.
Environmental variability
Changes in the environment that can drive natural selection, affecting the survival and reproduction of organisms.
Microevolution
Small-scale evolutionary changes that occur within a species over short time periods.
Macroevolution
Large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over long time periods, leading to the emergence of new species.
Biological evolution
The change in the heritable traits of biological populations over successive generations.
Mutation
A change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome, which can lead to genetic diversity.
Speciation
The process by which one species splits into two or more separate species.
Adaptive radiation
The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor in response to environmental opportunities.
Genetic drift
A mechanism of evolution that involves random changes in allele frequencies, particularly in small populations.
Gene flow
The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another, often due to migration.
Survival of the fittest
A phrase that summarizes the process of natural selection, where the best adapted individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Phenotypic plasticity
The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental conditions.
Punctuated equilibrium
The theory that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by periods of stability.
Homologous structures
Body parts in different species that share a common ancestry, even if they have different functions.
Adaptation
A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
Carrying capacity
The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
Biogeography
The study of the geographic distribution of species and ecosystems.
Endemism
The ecological state of a species being native to a single defined geographic location.
Extinction
The end of an organism or group of organisms, resulting in the disappearance of the species.
Keystone species
A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.
Niche
The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.
Ecosystem services
The benefits humans receive from ecosystems, including clean air, water, and pollination.
Trophic levels
The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Biomagnification
The increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms at each successive trophic level.
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