Microevolution and Natural Selection

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to microevolution, natural selection, and population genetics.

Microevolution

Change in allele frequency in a population over time.

Population Genetics

The study of genetic variation within populations, and involves the examination of allele frequency.

Bottleneck Effect

A sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.

Founder Effect

Genetic drift that occurs when a small number of individuals colonize a new area, leading to a limited genetic pool.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence, which can lead to new traits in a population.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Directional Selection

A mode of natural selection that favors a particular extreme phenotype over others.

Stabilizing Selection

A mode of selection that favors the average phenotypes and acts against extreme variants.

Diversifying Selection

A mode of selection that favors extreme phenotypes over intermediate phenotypes.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations leading to increased genetic similarity.

Intrasexual Selection

Competition within the same sex for mates, often seen in male-male competition.

Intersexual Selection

Mate choice where one sex (usually females) selects partners based on certain traits.