Evolution: Microevolution and Macroevolution

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key mechanisms of microevolution, the patterns of macroevolution, and methods for analyzing evolutionary relationships.

Microevolution

Evolutionary changes that occur at the population level over short time scales, such as shifts in allele frequency, which are observable within generations.

Macroevolution

Long-term evolutionary changes at or above the species level that involve significant shifts in biodiversity and the emergence of new species.

Natural Selection

A process that selects from existing variations in a population to promote the survival of advantageous traits; it does not provide organisms with what they "need."

DNA Mutation

Changes in the genetic code that can introduce new traits into a population.

Gene Flow

The introduction of new alleles into a population through immigration or emigration.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which are particularly impactful in small populations.

Survival of the Fittest

A principle of natural selection where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Sexual Selection

A form of selection based on behavioral traits that indicate fitness and influence mate selection.

Artificial Selection

Human intervention in the breeding of species to achieve desired traits, such as the development of cauliflower and broccoli.

Homologous Features

Structural similarities across different species that indicate common ancestry and provide evidence for evolutionary relationships.

Phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relationships between species, often illustrated using diagrams to show lineage and common ancestors.

Cladograms

Diagrams showcasing evolutionary relationships and milestones, including speciation points, among various organisms.

Phylogenetic Trees

Illustrations showing evolutionary relationships and lineages, such as the progression from bacteria to eukarya.

Speciation

The process by which new species originate and diversify over time, often occurring when gene flow between populations is stopped.

Branch Points

Specific points in phylogenetic trees that indicate where species diverge from a common ancestor.