Biological Evolution and Natural Selection

These flashcards cover key concepts related to biological evolution and natural selection, including definitions of terms and mechanisms of evolutionary processes.

Biological Evolution

A change in the frequency of common genetic variants from one generation to the next.

Natural Selection

The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Genetic Drift

A mechanism of evolution that refers to random fluctuations in allele frequencies in a population.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Common Ancestor

An ancestral species from which two or more species have evolved.

Evolutionary Tree

A graphical representation of the evolutionary relationships among various biological species.

Survival of the Fittest

A phrase that summarizes the concept of natural selection, emphasizing that the fittest individuals are those that are best adapted to their environment.

Camouflage

The adaptation of an organism that allows it to blend in with its surroundings for protection against predators.

Vestigial Structures

An anatomical feature or behavior that no longer provides an adaptive function to the organism.

Extinction

The end of an organism or a group of organisms, often due to changes in environmental conditions.