Evolutionary Processes

Biological Evolution

The genetic change in a population from one generation to another​

Species

A group of organisms that normally interbreed in nature to produce fertile offspring

Speciation

The formation of a new species. The result of reproductive isolation

Population

Members of the same species living in the same geographical area

Gene pool

• the total number of alleles that occur in a population. ​

• Populations are the units of evolution and changes in the allele frequency in the gene pool of a population indicates that evolution is occurring

Gene flow

The introduction of new alleles to a population throughthe migration (movement) and interbreeding ofindividuals between populations

Genetic Drift

A change in allele frequency due to the accumulated effects of chance over successive generations.

Natural Selection

The gradual process by which heritable traits become more or less common in a population as a result of their impact on reproductive success.

Selection pressures

Factors that determine which traits are favourable.

Biological fitness

How well adapted an individual is to their environment.