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Evolution
The process of gradual change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
Natural Selection
A mechanism of evolution where favorable traits increase in frequency because they provide survival or reproductive advantages.
Mutation
Random genetic changes that can introduce new traits into a population.
Genetic Drift
Random changes in gene frequencies that can have a significant effect in small populations.
Gene Flow
The movement of genes between populations due to migration.
Fossils
Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms found in layers of rock.
Fossil Record
A chronological sequence of species appearing, evolving, and sometimes going extinct, evidenced by fossils.
Transitional Fossils
Fossils that provide direct evidence of evolutionary links between species.
Artificial Selection
The process by which humans breed plants and animals for desired traits.
Homologous Structures
Body parts that have similar anatomical structures but different functions due to divergent evolution from a common ancestor.
Adaptive Radiation
A process in which species diversify from a common ancestor to occupy different ecological niches.
Speciation
The formation of new species due to reproductive isolation and evolutionary changes over time.
Geographic Isolation
Physical barriers, such as mountains or rivers, that separate populations and can lead to speciation.
Reproductive Isolation
When different groups stop interbreeding due to genetic, behavioral, or temporal differences.
Gradualism
The concept that evolution happens slowly over long periods rather than in sudden jumps.
Industrial Melanism
Evolutionary change in coloration due to industrial pollution, as seen in the Peppered Moth.
Pentadactyl Limb
A limb structure found in various vertebrates that indicates common ancestry despite different functions.
Ring Species
A series of connected populations that can interbreed with their neighbors but become reproductively isolated at the extremes.
Antibiotic Resistance
The ability of bacteria to survive treatments with antibiotics, often due to genetic mutations.
Darwin’s Finches
A group of finch species that evolved different beak shapes to exploit various food sources, leading to speciation.
Fossils
Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms found in layers of rock, providing historical evidence for evolution.
Fossil Record
A chronological sequence of species appearing, evolving, and sometimes going extinct, which supports the theory of evolution.
Transitional Fossils Examples
Archaeopteryx and Tiktaalik are notable examples that show links between distinct evolutionary lineages.
Stratification
The arrangement of sedimentary rock layers which shows that older fossils are found in deeper layers, supporting gradual change over time.
Radioactive Dating
A technique used to determine the age of fossils, allowing scientists to support evolutionary timelines.
Domesticated Animals
Animals selectively bred by humans, such as dogs and cows, demonstrating artificial selection contrasting with natural processes.
Adaptive Evolution
The process by which populations become better adapted to their environment through mechanisms like natural selection.
Behavioral Isolation
A form of reproductive isolation where different species have distinct mating behaviors, preventing interbreeding.
Temporal Isolation
A type of reproductive isolation where species breed at different times, limiting the likelihood of mating.
Divergent Evolution
Evolutionary pattern where two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, often due to adaptation to different environments.
Common Ancestor
An ancestral species from which multiple species have evolved, serving as the point of divergence in evolutionary history.
Biological Diversity
The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem or the entire planet, often a result of evolutionary processes.
Antibiotic Resistance
The ability of bacteria to survive and reproduce despite the presence of antibiotics, demonstrating evolution in action.
Melanistic Insects
Insects that have developed dark coloration due to environmental factors like pollution, showing the impact of natural selection.
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