Darwin Evolution: Key Terms & Definitions in Biology

What is the fossil record?

The fossil record provides evidence about the history of life on Earth. It also shows how different groups of organisms, including species, have changed over time.

What is Lamarck's theory of evolution?

If an organism changes during life in order to adapt to its environment, those changes are passed on to its offspring.

Who is Charles Darwin?

1. created the theory of evolution and natural selection

2. wrote "The Origin of Species"

3. Studied Finches in Galapagos Islands

What is Darwin's theory of evolution?

all species of organisms have a common ancestor and species have changed over time as they have better adapted via natural selection. They are able to adapt, survive and reproduce.

What is the process of natural selection?

only the organisms best adapted to their environment tend to survive and transmit their genetic characters in increasing numbers to succeeding generations while those less adapted tend to be eliminated.

What does speciation mean?

Formation of new species

What does fitness mean?

ability to survive and reproduce

What does founder effect mean?

a phenomenon where a small group of individuals becomes isolated from a larger population.

What is adaptive radiation in relation to Darwin's finches?

the evolution of many diverse species from a common ancestor

How does natural selection lead to evolution?

Darwin proposed that, over a long time, natural selection can lead to change. Helpful variations may gradually accumulate in a species, while unfavorable ones may disappear.

What is allopatric speciation?

The formation of new species in populations that are geographically isolated from one another.

What is sympatric speciation?

the process through which new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region

Why are hybrids not as viable?

It can be due to reproductive barriers and genetic incompatibility.

What is the biological species concept?

a species is a group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce viable, fertile offspring

What is microevolution?

evolutionary change within a species or small group of organisms, especially over a short period.

What is macroevolution?

Evolutionary changes that result in the formation of new species. Occurs over longer periods of time.