Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection

Evolution

Change in traits of a population over time.

Microevolution

Small-scale evolution within a single species.

Macroevolution

Large-scale evolution leading to new species.

Allele Frequency

Proportion of a specific allele in a population.

Natural Selection

Process where organisms better adapted survive.

Antibiotic Resistance

Bacteria's ability to survive antibiotic treatment.

Random Mutations

Spontaneous changes in DNA creating variation.

Phenotype

Observable traits resulting from genotype expression.

Genotype

Genetic makeup determining an organism's traits.

Common Ancestry

Theory that modern organisms share ancestors.

Darwin's Theory

Evolution through descent from common ancestors.

Galápagos Islands

Location where Darwin observed diverse species.

Struggle for Existence

Competition among organisms for limited resources.

Uniformitarianism

Geological processes shaping Earth occur gradually.

Cuvier's Catastrophism

Extinction occurs due to sudden catastrophic events.

Lamarckism

Theory that acquired traits can be inherited.

Artificial Selection

Humans breed organisms for desired traits.

The Origin of Species

Darwin's 1859 publication on evolution by natural selection.

H.M.S. Beagle

Ship used by Darwin for his research voyage.

Adaptation

Trait that enhances survival and reproduction.

Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics

Discredited idea that traits gained in life are inherited.

Geological Time

Concept that Earth is ancient and has changed.

Extinct Species

Species that no longer exist.

Alfred Russel Wallace

Developed natural selection theory independently of Darwin.

Survival of the fittest

Darwin's concept of natural selection favoring best adaptations.

HMS Beagle

Darwin's ship for extensive evidence collection.

Artificial Selection

Humans breed individuals for desirable phenotypes.

Selective Breeding

Choosing specific traits in breeding for desired outcomes.

Phenotypic Variation

Diversity in physical traits due to selective breeding.

Overproduction

More offspring produced than can survive to maturity.

Inheritance

Genetic traits passed from parents to offspring.

Natural Selection

Process favoring organisms best suited to their environment.

Competition

Offspring compete for limited resources like food.

Adaptation

Heritable traits enhancing survival and reproduction.

Favorable Combinations

Genetic traits that increase reproductive success.

Differential Reproductive Success

Variation in offspring production among individuals.

Biogeography

Study of species distribution across geographical areas.

Comparative Anatomy

Comparison of body structures across different species.

Molecular Biology

Study of biological processes at the molecular level.

Paleontology

Study of fossils to understand past life forms.

Fossil Formation

Best when organisms buried quickly, slowing decay.

Sedimentary Rock

Common rock type where fossils are found.

Wallace Line

Biogeographical boundary separating distinct species.

Descent with Modification

Ancestral forms adapt over time to new environments.

Evolutionary Theory Evidence

Supported by observations from various scientific fields.

Endemic Species

Species unique to a specific geographic area.

Trilobites

Extinct marine arthropods preserved in rock.

Ammonite

Fossil with a shell covering stone interior.

Fossil Record

Ordered array of fossils in sedimentary strata.

Strata

Layers of sedimentary rock containing fossils.

Relative Age

Age determined by comparing fossil strata.

Biogeographical Evidence

Species distribution suggests evolutionary relationships.

Transitional Fossils

Fossils showing features of both ancestors and descendants.

Archaeopteryx

Transitional fossil between birds and dinosaurs.

Homologous Structures

Similar structures indicating common ancestry.

Adaptive Radiation

Species evolve to occupy different niches.

Divergent Evolution

Lineage splits, evolving independently into new species.

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated species evolve similar traits in similar environments.

Analogous Structures

Similar functions in different species, different origins.

Developmental Biology

Study of organism growth and development processes.

Embryonic Stages

Similar developmental stages indicate shared ancestry.

Selection Pressures

Environmental factors influencing species evolution.

Fish and Dolphin

Example of convergent evolution in aquatic environments.

Galápagos Islands

Location with species similar to mainland but distinct.

Tar Pit Fossils

Preserved remains of organisms trapped in tar.

Fossil Fish

Ancient fish preserved in sedimentary layers.

Vertebrate Embryos

Share developmental stages, supporting common ancestry.

Vestigial Organs

Degenerate structures with reduced function in species.

Whale Ancestors

Large, four-legged mammals evolved into modern whales.

Cladogram

Diagram showing evolutionary relationships among species.

Genetic Code

Universal instructions for building proteins in organisms.

DNA Analysis

Technique to determine evolutionary relationships among species.

Hemoglobin

Oxygen-transporting protein found in vertebrates' blood.

Phylogeny

Study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities.

Molecular Homology

Similarities in DNA/proteins indicating common ancestry.

Evolutionary Fitness

Ability of an organism to survive and reproduce.

Fossil Record

Historical evidence of organisms preserved in rocks.

Drought Impact

Environmental change affecting survival of species.

Finches

Birds studied for natural selection in Galapagos.

Pelvis in Whales

Reduced structure indicating evolutionary adaptation to aquatic life.

Species Diversity

Variety of different species within an ecosystem.

Common Ancestor

Theoretical original organism from which others evolved.

Genetic Similarity

Degree of shared genes among different species.

Morphology

Study of the form and structure of organisms.

ATP

Universal energy-carrying molecule in all living cells.

Burrowing Animals

Species with vestigial eyes, no longer used for vision.

Kiwi Wings

Tiny vestigial wings, non-functional for flight.

Self-replicating DNA

Molecules that replicate themselves in living systems.