Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

Charles Darwin

Proposed natural selection as evolution mechanism.

Natural Selection

Process where organisms better adapted survive.

Microevolution

Small-scale evolutionary changes in gene pools.

On the Origin of Species

Darwin's 1859 book presenting evolution evidence.

Evolutionary Synthesis

1930s-1950s consensus on natural selection's role.

Common Ancestors

All species descended from shared predecessors.

Struggle for Existence

Competition among organisms for survival resources.

Fossil Record

Historical evidence of species changes over time.

Geometric Growth Rate

Population growth at exponential, unchecked rate.

Darwin's Elephant Problem

Hypothetical elephant population growth over centuries.

Inherited Variation

Genetic differences passed through generations.

Evolutionary Success

Contribution of genes to future generations' gene pool.

Fitness

Organism's reproductive success, not lifespan.

Beneficial Traits

Inherited characteristics improving survival chances.

Elephant Breeding Estimate

Projected 15 million elephants from one pair.

Survival Advantage

Traits enhancing an organism's ability to survive.

Desert vs. Mountain Hares

Adaptations for survival in different environments.

Variation Impact

Differences affecting reproductive success in species.

Static Environment

Concept that Earth's conditions are unchanging.

Species Change Over Time

Evolutionary modifications in traits across generations.

Peppered Moth

Biston betularia, native to England, exhibits color variation.

Industrial Revolution

Increased pollution altered moth coloration in England.

Macroevolution

Evolution resulting in new species from gene pool changes.

Gene

DNA sequence coding for a specific polypeptide.

Allele

Variant form of a gene influencing traits.

Gene Pool

Total genes present in a species.

Allelic Frequency

Percentage occurrence of a specific allele.

Mutation

Change in DNA sequence, source of genetic variation.

Point Mutation

Single nucleotide substitution in DNA sequence.

Synonymous Mutation

Mutation causing no change in amino acid.

Nonsynonymous Mutation

Mutation resulting in a different amino acid.

Speciation

Formation of new species through evolutionary processes.

Pesticide Resistance

Increased frequency of resistant genes in pests.

Gene Flow

Transfer of genes between populations.

Random Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies over generations.

Phenotype

Observable traits resulting from genotype expression.

Genotype

Genetic makeup of an organism.

Somatic Cell Mutation

Mutations not inherited by future generations.

Gamete Mutation

Mutations that can be passed to offspring.

Environmental Change

Alterations in habitat affecting species survival.

Sulfur Dioxide

Pollutant from coal burning impacting moth coloration.

Missense Mutation

Nonsynonymous mutation resulting in different amino acid.

Gene Duplication

Copying of a gene, potentially altering function.

Myoglobin

Oxygen-binding protein in muscle tissue.

Hemoglobin

Oxygen-transport protein derived from myoglobin.

R Group

Variable side chain of amino acids affecting properties.

Neutral Mutation

Mutation with no significant effect on fitness.

Molecular Clock

Rate of molecular evolution over time.

Cytochrome c

Protein involved in electron transport chain.

Amino Acid

Building blocks of proteins, encoded by genes.

Pseudogenes

Nonfunctional genes resulting from duplication and mutation.

Evolutionary Divergence

Separation of species leading to genetic differences.

Conserved Gene

Gene that remains relatively unchanged across species.

Functional Gene

Gene that produces a functional protein product.

Mitochondrial Membrane

Location of cytochrome c in cells.

Gene Modification

Alteration of gene structure or function.

Protein Functionality

Effectiveness of a protein in performing its role.

Amino Acid Sequence

Order of amino acids in a protein.

Inverse Relationship

Opposing correlation between two variables.

Species Comparison

Analysis of genetic differences among organisms.

Frameshift Mutation

Insertion or deletion alters amino acid sequence.

Deleterious Mutation

Most frameshift mutations negatively affect protein function.

Flavobacterium

Bacteria that digest nylon waste due to mutation.

Chromosomal Rearrangement

Changes in chromosome structure affecting species evolution.

Karyotype

Chromosome number and structure comparison between species.

Inversions

Chromosomal segments flipped, altering gene order.

Deletions

Loss of chromosome segments, impacting genetic information.

Duplication

Copying of chromosome segments, increasing gene dosage.

Translocations

Segments of chromosomes exchanged between non-homologous chromosomes.

Fusions

Joining of two chromosomes into one.

Artificial Selection

Human manipulation of gene pools for desired traits.

Genetic Diversity Loss

Reduced variety due to selective breeding practices.

Super Bugs

Bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing treatment challenges.

MDR Bacteria

Multidrug-resistant bacteria, often found in hospitals.

Antibiotic Resistance

Natural immunity developed through random mutations.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies within populations.

Gene Flow

Movement of genes between populations, enhancing diversity.

Sexual Reproduction

Recombines genes, creating unique offspring.

Gametes

Reproductive cells producing genetic variation.

Unique Offspring Probability

Probability of genetically identical siblings is 1 in 446.

Evolution Driving Force

Sexual reproduction promotes genetic variation and evolution.

Managed Landscape Burns

Restores gene flow by reducing genetic drift.

Collared Lizards

Species affected by habitat disruption and genetic drift.