SSFT 212: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Evolutionary Theory

Evolution

Theory describing natural phenomena and predictions.

Natural selection

Process favoring traits that enhance reproduction.

Variation

Differences among individuals in a population.

Adaptation

Changes enhancing survival in specific environments.

Reproductive effort

More offspring produced than environment can support.

Homologies

Similar structures in different species indicating common ancestry.

Biogeography

Study of species distribution across geographical areas.

Fossil record

Layered evidence of species complexity over time.

Transitional forms

Fossils showing evolutionary links between species.

Convergent evolution

Unrelated species evolve similar traits due to environment.

Genetic variation

Differences in genes among individuals in a population.

Directional selection

Favors extreme phenotypes, shifting allele frequencies.

Stabilizing selection

Favors average phenotypes, reducing extremes.

Diversifying selection

Favors extreme phenotypes at both ends.

Sexual selection

Differentiation between sexes through mate competition.

Intrasexual selection

Competition among same sex for mates.

Intersexual selection

One sex chooses mates based on traits.

Genetic drift

Random events altering allele frequencies in populations.

Migration

Movement of individuals altering genetic composition.

Irreducible complexity

All parts needed simultaneously for function.

Cambrian explosion

Rapid appearance of diverse animal body plans.

Kin selection

Favoring relatives at a personal cost.

Evolutionary psychology

Study of human behavior through evolutionary lens.

Philosophical materialism

Belief system rejecting supernatural explanations.

Ethics in evolution

Evolutionary theory's limitations in ethical reasoning.