Evolution

biology

Extinction

The permanent disappearance of a species from Earth.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history and relationships among species or groups of organisms.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Niche

The role and position of a species within its environment.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.

Mimicry

An evolutionary adaptation in which one species evolves to resemble another species.

Adaptation

A genetic trait or behavior that improves an organism’s chances of survival.

Survival of the Fittest

The idea that organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Fossil Record

Evidence of organisms that existed in the past and shows how species have changed over time.

Homologous Structures

Body parts of different species that have a similar structure due to shared ancestry.

Vestigial Structures

Features that have lost their original function through evolution.

Embryology

The study of embryos that shows similarities indicating common ancestry.

Molecular Evidence

The comparison of DNA and proteins among species to reveal evolutionary relationships.

Biogeography

The distribution of species across different geographic areas.

Sexual Selection

A form of natural selection where certain traits increase an organism's chances of attracting a mate.

Stabilizing Selection

Selection that favors average individuals in a population, reducing variation.

Directional Selection

Selection that favors one extreme phenotype over others.

Disruptive Selection

Selection that favors both extremes of a phenotype range.

Selective Breeding

The intentional reproduction of organisms with desirable traits.

Natural Selection

A natural process where organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive.

Prezygotic Barriers

Barriers that prevent mating or fertilization from occurring.

Postzygotic Barriers

Barriers that occur after fertilization, preventing viable offspring development.

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation occurring when populations are geographically isolated.

Sympatric Speciation

Speciation occurring within the same geographic area due to ecological differences.

Divergent Evolution

When related species evolve different traits due to different environmental pressures.

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Coevolution

The process where two or more species influence each other’s evolution.

Genetic Variation

The differences in DNA among individuals in a population.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, especially in small populations.

Abiogenesis

The hypothesis that life arose from non-living matter through chemical processes.

Mass Extinctions

Events where a significant proportion of species on Earth become extinct.

Gradualism

The idea that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over long periods.

Punctuated Equilibrium

The idea that evolution happens in bursts with long periods of stability.

Fossils

Preserved remains or impressions of ancient organisms.

Cladograms

Diagrams that show evolutionary relationships among species.

Neutral Mutations

Mutations that do not affect an organism’s fitness.

Harmful Mutations

Mutations that reduce an organism’s fitness.

Beneficial Mutations

Mutations that improve an organism’s chances of survival.

Homologous Genes

Genes shared by different species due to common ancestry.

Pseudogenes

Genes that have lost their function due to mutations.

Habitat destruction

Loss of biodiversity due to deforestation, urbanization, pollution, and climate change.

Overexploitation

Declines of species due to overhunting, overfishing, and illegal wildlife trade.

Introduction of invasive species

Non-native species introduced to new environments that harm native species.

Conservation efforts

Actions to protect habitats and establish protected areas.

Sustainable practices

Sustainable agriculture and resource use to prevent overexploitation.

Restoration ecology

Efforts to restore damaged ecosystems and protect endangered species.

Reduce carbon footprint

Addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.