Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to Darwinian evolution and the historical context of evolutionary theory.

Natural Selection

The process by which individuals with certain heritable traits survive and reproduce at a higher rate than other individuals.

Adaptive Evolution

A process whereby organisms become better suited to their environments through inherited traits.

Homology

Similarity in structure due to common ancestry, observed in the anatomy of different species.

Gradualism

The theory that profound changes in the geological features of the earth occur slowly over time.

Catastrophism

The theory that Earth's geology and biological diversity have been shaped by sudden, catastrophic events.

Uniformitarianism

The principle that geological processes occurring today have been occurring since Earth formed, at roughly the same rates.

Artificial Selection

The intentional reproduction of individuals in a population that have desirable traits.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.

Vestigial Structures

Organs or features that have lost their original function through the course of evolution.

Convergent Evolution

The evolution of similar features in distantly related groups, often as a result of adaptation to similar environments.

Descent with Modification

The principle that species change over time, giving rise to new species while retaining some characteristics of their ancestors.

Fossil Record

The ordered arrangement of fossils found in sedimentary rock layers that provides evidence of past life and evolutionary changes.

Species

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

Cetaceans

A clade of aquatic mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises, whose origins trace back to land-dwelling ancestors.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variation in traits among individuals of a population.

Mutation Rate

The frequency at which new mutations occur within a given gene or organism over time.

Phenotype

The observable traits or characteristics of an organism, which are influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual organism, which determines its potential traits.

Isolation Mechanism

Any trait that reduces or prevents gene flow between populations, leading to speciation.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems in a given place, which contributes to overall biodiversity.

Endemic Species

Species that are native to and found only within a specific geographic area.