Chapter 1.4: Evolution Explains the Diversity as Well as the Unity of Life

Flashcards from Chapter 1.4 of Principles of Life, 3rd Edition.

Evolution

A change in the genetic makeup of biological populations through time

Evolutionary process

Any process that can lead to changes in the frequencies of genes in a population across generations

Charles Darwin

English scientist known for his 1859 book On the Origin of Species, introducing his theory of evolution by natural selection

Natural selection

The contribution of offspring to the next generation by various genetic types belonging to the same population

Artificial selection

Selective breeding facilitated by humans in order to produce desired traits; Darwin saw this in pigeon keepers

Adaptations

Structural, physiological, or behavioral traits that increase an organism’s chances of surviving and reproducing in its specific moment

• Can be seen with different frogs’ toe pads

Proximate explanations

Explanations for adaptations that explain how the adaptation works and could be advantageous for the individual

Ultimate explanations

Explanations for adaptations that analyze the population and its role across different groups and species, understanding survival and reproduction

Genetic drift

Random changes in gene frequencies in a population because of chance events

Theory

A body of scientific work in which rigorously tested and well-established facts and principles are used to make predictions about the natural world

• Evolution is a type of this, supported by evidence and research