Evolutionary Concepts and Mechanisms

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to evolution and natural selection.

Disruptive selection

A form of natural selection that favors individuals at both extremes of the phenotypic range, potentially resulting in a new species.

Divergent evolution

The process where two or more species evolve from a common ancestor.

Adaptive radiation

The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.

Convergent evolution

When unrelated species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environments or pressures.

Parallel evolution

Evolutionary process in which two or more species that share a common ancestor evolve similar traits independently.

Coevolution

The process where two or more species influence each other's evolutionary adaptations over time.

Geographic isolation

A form of reproductive isolation where populations are separated by geographic barriers.

Mechanical isolation

Reproductive isolation that occurs when species cannot mate due to physical differences.

Temporal isolation

Reproductive isolation that occurs when species breed at different times.

Behavioral isolation

Reproductive isolation that occurs when differences in behavior prevent mating between species.

Gradualism

An evolutionary theory that suggests species evolve slowly and steadily over time.

Punctuated equilibrium

An evolutionary theory that proposes species experience long periods of stability interrupted by short bursts of rapid change.

Homologous structures

Anatomical features in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry but may have different functions.

Analogous structures

Body parts in different species that have similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Vestigial structures

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

Biochemical comparisons

Comparative studies of DNA and proteins that reveal similarities among species, indicating common ancestry.

Observed natural selection

Instances where changes in phenotype frequency are documented in a population due to environmental changes.

Natural selection

The process through which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to reproduce and pass on those traits to the next generation.

Inheritance of acquired characteristics

Lamarck's theory that traits developed during an organism's life can be passed on to offspring.