Natural Selection LS4-4

abiotic

pertaining to non living factors in an ecosystem

advantageous

Beneficial or favorable for the survival and reproduction of an organism.

biotic

Pertaining to living organisms or their interactions within an ecosystem.

biotic factor

A living component of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

disturbance

A disruption or change in an ecosystem, affecting the abundance and distribution of species.

environment

The surroundings or conditions in which an organism lives, including both biotic and abiotic factors.

evolution

The process of change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

extinction

The complete disappearance of a species or group of organisms from Earth.

fossil

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, providing evidence of past life and evolutionary history.

founder effect

The reduced genetic diversity that occurs when a population is established by a small number of individuals.

gene flow

The transfer of genetic material from one population to another through migration or dispersal.

genetic drift

The random changes in allele frequencies within a population due to chance events.

genetic variation

The diversity of genes and alleles within a population or species.

geographic isolation

Physical separation of populations of a species, often leading to reproductive isolation and speciation.

geologic record

The history of Earth's past as revealed by the study of rocks, fossils, and geological processes.

gradualism

The theory that evolutionary change occurs gradually over long periods of time.

selective pressure

Environmental factors that favor certain traits or characteristics in a population, influencing natural selection.

speciation

The formation of new species through evolutionary processes.

species

A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

stability

The ability of an ecosystem or population to maintain its structure and function over time.