Biology Lecture on Evolution and the Scientific Method

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the scientific method, natural selection, evolution, and population genetics.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for observation, experimentation, and answering scientific questions.

Hypothesis

A testable statement predicting a relationship between variables.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Evolution

Change in the genetic composition of a population over time.

Genetic Drift

Random fluctuations in allele frequencies in a population, more pronounced in small populations.

Population Bottleneck

A sharp reduction in population size due to environmental events, leading to a loss of genetic variation.

Founder Effect

Genetic differences that occur when a small group of individuals establishes a new population.

Fitness

The success of a genotype in a given environment, often measured by reproductive success.

Modes of Selection

Different patterns of natural selection that affect allele frequencies, including directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A model that predicts allele and genotype frequencies in a non-evolving population.

Artifical Selection

The intentional breeding of organisms for specific traits.

Fossil Record

A historical record of biological evolution through the accumulation of fossils.

Speciation

The process of forming new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated.

Sympatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations are in the same geographical area but evolve differently.

Phenotype Frequency

The proportion of a specific phenotype within a population.

Genotype Frequency

The proportion of specific genotypes within a population.