Evolutionary Science & Behavioral Adaptations

Charles Darwin

Religion major, naturalist on the Beagle, proposed natural selection

Galapagos Finches

Birds studied by Darwin, showed adaptation to different environments

Taxonomy

Classification system for living things, established by Darwin

Natural Selection

Process where certain traits aid survival and reproduction, proposed by Darwin

Variation

Differences among species members, often genetic

Selection

Process guiding evolution by favoring certain features

Retention

Preservation of favored variations through heredity

Jean Baptiste Lamarck

Proposed theory of acquired characteristics passed on

Epigenetics

Changes in gene function without altering DNA sequence

Imprinting

Critical period for attachment and identity development in animals

Altruism

Selfless behavior evolved for increased survival chances

Sociobiology

Study of biological aspects of social behavior in animals and humans

Reproductive Strategies

Monogamy, polygamy, and parental investment in sociobiology

Sexual Selection

Natural selection for traits related to mating success

Monogamy

One partner reproductive strategy with increased parental investment

Polygamy

Multiple partners reproductive strategy with decreased parental investment

Intrasexual Selection

Competition for mates within a species

Intersexual Selection

Visual displays to attract mates across species