Evolutionary Theory & Genetics 1.1

Natural Selection

A process where individuals with traits better suited to an environment survive and reproduce more successfully.

Four Principles of Darwin's Evolution

Variation, Inheritance, Differential Survival & Reproduction, Adaptation Over Time.

Sexual Selection

A type of natural selection where traits enhance an organism's ability to attract mates.

Intrasexual Selection

Competition among individuals of the same sex for access to mates.

Intersexual Selection

Mate choice where one sex selects partners based on specific traits.

Sexual Dimorphism

Differences in appearance between males and females of the same species.

Mendel's Contribution to Genetics

Showed that traits are inherited as discrete units, explaining how variation persists.

The Genetic Code

Set of rules that translates DNA sequences into proteins via codons.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A single base-pair change in DNA that can lead to variations.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies, affecting small populations more significantly.

Adaptive Radiation

Rapid diversification of one species into multiple to fill different ecological niches.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Describes a non-evolving population with constant allele frequencies.

Biological Species Concept

Defines species as groups capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Trade-offs in Evolution

The idea that traits may improve one aspect of survival or reproduction at the cost of another.